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Village President Irving W. Wiswall Delivering Address of Welcome at The Centennial

CENTENNIAL HISTORY

OF THE

VILLAGE OF BALLSTON SPA

INCLUDING THE TOWNS OF

BALLSTON and MILTON

— X

By Edward F. Grose

INCLUDING AN UNPUBLISHED HISTORY BY THE LATE

John C. Booth

A SOUVENIR OF THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

HELD

JUNE 22-25, 1907

" MeTHINKS I HEAR THE SOUND OF TIME LONG PAST

Still murmuring o'er me, and whispering in
The following pages — like the lingering voices
Of those who long within their graves have slept.'

Published bv

THE BALLSTON JOURNAL

C. H. GROSE, Proprietor

1907

LIBRARY of C0N3KESs]

1 wo Oopiei

rtet«'»jL^

MAY 2

1908

JUpyriiihi

cnif*

UC. N.J

u-^^^

^B.''

LET us gather up our notices of past
ages, and preserve them in the
archives of the country ; we shall
please and instruct ourselves by so doing,
and make posterity lastingly indebted to us
for the deed. To transmit the honors of
one age to another is a duty ; to neglect the
merits of our fathers is a disgrace.

— Phillips, in his Million of Facts.

Printed by E. H. LISK
Troy, N. Y.

Author's Preface

General Ulysses S. Grant once said "that each and every community should
record in some manner its progress and its work as a landmark for the future."
The force of this saying appeals strongly to one who endeavors to write the his-
tory of the long ago ; to grope among dust covered and meagre records ; to
search out the truth of history through legend and tradition, and from the
mists that gather 'round the early days bring forth to the light of the present
day the men and their deeds which have made the history of a hundred years
and more of village life.

At the solicitation of a number of our citizens, and little realizing the ex-
tent of the task imposed, the author began the compilation of a history of Balls-
ton from its first settlement in 1763. Now that the work is completed, aware
of its many imperfections, and craving the kind indulgence of the reader for
whatever errors or omissions may be found in its pages, the history is given to
the public with the hope that it will prove of more than passing interest.

Through the kindness of Miss Ella M. Booth, daughter of the late John
Chester Booth, that part of his unpublished history of Saratoga County, relat-
ing to Ballston Spa and this immediate locality, is for the first time made public.
The late Judge Scott, of this village, and the late Judge William Hay of
Saratoga Springs, both historians of eminent ability, after reading the manu-
script copy of Mr. Booth's history, commended it most highly. Its literary
merit is beyond criticism. Mr. Booth's history was completed in 1858, and this
should be borne in mind by the re-ader.

Acknowledgment is also due to Miss Winifred Taylor, of Freeport, Illi-
nois, Mrs. Martha Seelye of New York, Mrs. Margaret Powell, Mrs. John B.
Ford, Mr. Stephen B. Medbery and Mr. James F. Peckham of BaUston Spa,
and Mrs. Mary Osborn and Mr. Willard Lester, of Saratoga Springs for valuable
information furnished the author; to Mr. N. B. Sylvester, and Col. Wm. L.
Stone for many interesting facts gathered from their historical writings, and
to Mr. Enos R. Mann's "Bench and Bar of Saratoga County." Also to Mr. J. S.
Wooley, Feeney Brothers and Mr. N. L. Allcott for a number of illustrations.

But more than to any other source, aside from the history of Mr. Booth, is
the author indebted to files of the village papers in his possession, commencing
as early as the year 1806, and continuing down to 1847 with many issues, altho'
not complete, and from 1847 to the present time the complete weekly files of
the Ballston Journal ; and to books and documents relating to the early days
from the library of the late Rev. H. L. Grose.

To all Ballstonians, from oldest to youngest, scattered throughout our great

country, or inhabitants of our beautiful village, this story of "the homeland" is

respectfully dedicated.

Edward F. Grose.

Ballston Spa, October, 1907.

CONTENTS

BALLSTON, TOWN OF
Ball, Eliphalet .
Bettys, Joe, (The Spy)
Burning of Ballston .
Christ's Church
Early Settlers
First Meeting House
Freehold Settlement .
Gordon, James
Gordon's Memorandum
Gonzalez Tragedy
McDonalds, The
Presbyterian Church
Revolution, War of the
Revolution, Tories of the
Revolution, After the War
Tory Raid of 1780
Tory Raid of 1781 .
Tory Banta, The .
Villages and Hamlets
Waller, Mrs., Story of .

BALLSTON IN WAR

War of the Revolution .

War of 181-2

War with Mexico .

War of tlie Rebellion .

War with Spain

Reminiscences

BALLSTON SPA, VILLAGE OF
America's First Watering Place
County Seat ....
Churches ....
First Settler ....
Hotels ....

Johnson, Sir William
Marcy, Governor Wm. L. .
Sans Souci, The
Schools ....
Societies .....
Spring, The First
Springs, The ....
Stuart, James, Visit of
Washington, Visit of
Watson, Elkanah. Visit of .

142

. 142

143

. 143
.153

. 154

51
. 63

. 75
51

55, 67
65

. 68
57

. 92
96
53
59
71
60
68

CELEBRATIONS ....
Armory, Laying Corner Stone .
Centennial Fourth, 1876
Fourth of July, 1840 .
Masonic • . . . .
Sabbath Schools, 1847 .
Semi-Centennial, 1826 .
Soldiers' Monument, Mexican War
Soldiers' Monument, Civil War .
Temperance, 1849

CENTENNIAL, THE .
Address of I. W. Wiswall .
Address of Judge L'Amoreaux
Address of Wm. L. Stone
Centennial Association .
Centennial Day .
Centennial Ode
Centennial Sunday
Editorial Comments .
Fireworks
P'raternal Day
Newspaper Reports .
Opening Day, Athletic Meet
Oration of Gen. King
Parade ....
Re-Union, Mohican Hill .

CORPORATION, THE .
Banks ....

Business Development
Fire Department
Industries of To-Day .
Manufactures .
Mercantile Interests .
Post-Office
Railroads .

Telegraph and Telephones
Trustees and Presidents
Water Works .

BALLSTON SPA IN THE PAST

COUNTY SEAT, THE
Civil List

HISTORIC NOTES

MILTON, TOWN OF .
Churches .
Villages and Hamlets

131 PRESS OF BALLSTON SPA

179
182
182
180
182
181
179
181
158
181

185

204

206

223

186

199

215

190

228

226

195

227

188

210

200

190

103
114
113
107
118
115
120
111
111
113
123
110

127
128

167

45
49
47

131

ILLUSTRATIONS

An Old Drawing .... 72
Advertisements, Old . 113, 169
A Bower of Elms .... 200
Ball, Eliphalet, Grave of . . 17
Ballston Lake .... 10, -36
Ballston Spa . ... 52, .54
Ballston Spa House ... 70
Bank Buildings . . . . lU
Blood, Isaiah, Residence of . 48
Blood's Battle Axe ... 144
Briggs Burying Ground . . 26

Churches
Century Elms

76, 78, 80, 87, 90
129, 139

Centennial Ode, Reading
County Alms House . .
County Clerk's Office, 1824
County Clerk's Office . .
Court House Hill . .
Court House Hill Hotel .

Court Houses 126

Davis, Rev. Edw., Residence of 43
Deer Antlers 13

216
101
128
130
18

Doubleday House .
Douglas-Aldridge House
Eagle Hotel ....
Engine Houses
Frontispiece, Centennial
Fair Grounds
Front Street
Gilmour's Academy
High Street . . . .
Hotels in 1907 . . .
In the Woods
Iron Spring
Journal Office .
Journal, Fac-Simile of
Kavaderosseras, The
Low House, 1804 . .
Mann Homestead .
McDonalds' Cabin, 1703
Medbery Hotel . .
Middle Line Road
Milton .\venue . .
Milton House

13.5

108, 109

101

104

130, 205

197

65, 213

132

134

34,46

100, 189

. 73

Milton Square .
Monument Square
Mourning Kill
Odd Fellows' Hall
Pcckham House
Presbyterian Church,

. . 201
. . 193
16, 23, 176
. . 98
. . 51
Balls-

ton Centre '21

Prime Meniorial Window . 86

Rail Road Station .... 112

Red Mill Pond .... 116
SansSouci . 58,68,71,168,184

Sans Souci Circular, 1823 . 69

School Buildings .... 95

Scythe Shop 117

Soldiers' Monument . . . 158

Spa Sanatorium .... 123

Tannery Buildings ... 119

Taylor, John W., Residence of 240

Trout Brook in Milton . . 49

Union Bag & Paper Co. Mills 119
Village Reservoir . . . .110

BIOGRAPHICAL

Baldwin, Seth C.
Beach, Jonathan S.
Beechcr. George C.
Blood, Isaiah
Blood, Albert P. .
Booth, John C. . .
Booth, Wheeler K.
Bristol, L. W. . .
Brotherson, John .
Chapman, George W.

Chapman, Edwin H.

Clapp, Russell P.

Cook, James M.

Comstock, James .

Crane, L. M.

Davis, Dr. Samuel .

Gilmour, Neil . .

Gordon, James .

Grose, H. L. . .

Haight, Samuel

Harris, Arnold

Horton, James W.

Jones, Hiro . . .

Jones, Frank . .

Knox, George E. .

26 Langworthy, Elisha P.

253 Leach, James O.

257 Lee, Elias ...

245 Lee, Joel . ■

253 Lee, Edward W. .

8 Lee, John J. . . •

2.53 Lee, George W.

255 Luther, John J. . .

253 Mann, Henry A. .

256 :Mann, E. R. . ■
256 Maxwell, David

254 McCreas, The . .
244 McLean.John . .
252 McLean, John B. .

255 McKown, John

24 McMaster, Robert P.

256 Medbery, Stephen B.
23 INIoore. Leverett

251 Odell, William T. .
255 Palmer, Beriah

252 Peckham, James F.
247 Person, John

254 Scott. George G. .

257 Smith, Samuel . .
257 Smith, .Andrew W.

80
253

79
231
231
231
232
254
255
2.50

26
253
254
257
2-53
258
250
2.54

24
258
257
246
234
233

Smith, Samuel .
Smith, Robert P.
Spier, James H.
Taylor, John W.
Thompson, James
Thompson, John W,
Thompson, George '
Thompson, George
Vassar, Matthew
Vaughn, O. D. .
Wait, John . .
AVestcot, Reuben
Wcstcot, John H.
WeStcot, Joseph E.
West, George .
Whalen, Seth .
Watrous, Edward A
White, Epenetus
White, Stephen
Williams, Moses
Williams, M. Lemet
Williams, Piatt
Wiley, Calvin F.
Wilson, John R.
Young, .Samuel

234

257

238

234

237

256

254

232

233

249

256

237

238

255

Booth, John C 8

'Blood, Isaiah 246

Cook, James M 244

Grose, H.L 252

Grose, H.B 215

Horton, Tames W. ... 248

Horton, Stephen S. ... 149

Lee, Joel 230

Lee, Edward W 230

Lee, John J 230

PORTRAITS

L'Amoreaux, J. S. . .
McDonough, Father .
Moore, Leverett
McKittrick, William H.
Scott, George G. . ■
Smith, Samuel . . ■
Smith, Andrew W.
Smith, Samuel . . ■
Smith, Robert P. . •
Taylor, John W. . •

200 Thompson, James .

90 Thompson, John W.

251 Thompson, George L.

150 West, George . .

247 Westcot, Reuben .

235 Westcot, John H. .

235 Westcot, Joseph E.

235 Williams, Moses ,

235 Williams, M. Lemet

238 Wiswall, Irving W.

236
236
236
249
232
233
233
237
237
204

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

John Chester Booth

John Chester Booth, son of Lebbeus and
Lncretia Booth, was born in Ballston Spa on
Washington's birthday, February 22, 1832.
When about twenty years of age lie estabHshed
a private school in Craneville about two miles
north of the village. Among his pupils were
Samuel S. Wakeman, William Spencer and
David Frisbie, who are now residents of Balls-
ton Spa. These gentlemen recall with pleas-
ure their accomplished teacher and the profit-
able days passed under his tuition. A little
later, having chosen the legal profession as
his vocation, he entered ujxjn the study of the
law in the office of Judge George G. Scott,
and having served the required clerkship, was
admitted to the Bar in 1853, and entered upon
the practice of his profession, his office adjoin-

ing that of Judge Scott, being in one of the
rooms now occupied by Messrs. Scott &
Brown as law offices; on Bath street.

Air. Booth was a man of fine intellect and
rare literary attainments, which gave promise
of a most successful career in his chosen pro-
fession.

A Republican in politics, he entered enthu-
siastically into the presidential campaign of
1856. Taking the stump for Fremont and
Dayton, he very soon became known as a bril-
liant orator, and a speaker of unusual persua-
siveness and power. The writer, at that time
a boy of nine years, himself an enthusiastic
young Republican, and a member of a boys'
campaign club in Galway village, still recalls
with something of the thrill he then experi-
enced, the speech of Mr. Booth at a "Grand

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Republican Rally" in Galvvay. The posters
announcing this meeting were printed by the
writer and his elder brother, the late H. Sew-
ard Grose, in their small printing office in
that village, where they published a small
monthly paper, the "Home Register."

First impressions are those that endure, and
memory still pictures the scene on the village
green ; the great crowd pressing closely about
the platform ; the young speaker with impas-
sioned eloquence swaying the assemblage at
his will, and the resounding cheers that greet-
ed him as he earnestly advocated the princi-
ples of the new party which was destined to
be the saviour of the nation, under the match-
less leadership of the immortal Lincoln.

From this time Mr. Booth was in great de-
mand as an orator on all public occasions. On
the "glorious Fourth" in 1855, reading the
Declaration of Independence in superb style,
and later in the day addressing his comrades
of the "Ancient and Horrible Order of Fil-
busters" in a speech of keenest wit and pun-
gent satire, delivered with grandiloquent and
bombastic eloquence; at the laying of the cor-"
ner-stone of the State Armory in August,
1858, delivering an oration on "America's
citizen soldiers," choice in rhetoric, and elo-
quent in glowing periods ; lecturing in Waver-
ly Hall in January, i860, on "The life and
exploits of Joe Bettys," the noted tory spy of
Ballston, to a delighted audience ; or pleading
before a jury in the old court house with the
eloquence of a Beach or a Porter; on all oc-
casions he displayed rare gifts of heart and
mind, and the still rarer gifts of eloquent
speech.

From early youth Mr. Booth had given evi-
dence of fine literary taste, several poems of
more than ordinary merit appearing under his
name at the early age of sixteen years, in the
Ballston Journal. Amid the activities of a
busy life, he found his recreation in literary
pursuits, and having great pride in his native

county, he compiled a history of Saratoga
county, which was completed about two years
prior to his death. This history has never
been published, but through the kindness of
his daughter, Miss Ella M. Booth, that por-
tion of the history relating to Ballston Spa, is
included in this Centennial History.

Mr. Booth spent most of his life in this, his
native village, keenly alive to its prosperity and
growth. Extreme illness in his boyhood weak-
ened his constitution, and he died in Ballston
Spa on July 25th, i860, at the early age of
twenty-eight, leaving unfinished much that
would have given him literary renown.

Lebbeus Booth, the father of the subject of
this sketch, was the founder of the Ballston
Spa Female Seminary, in its day one of the
most celebrated institutions of learning in the
State. He was a man of marked ability, and
after the closing of his school became largely
interested in manufacturing and other busi-
ness pursuits in the village. He was a member
and vestryman of Christ Church; loan com-
missioner of the county in 1840; county super-
intendent of the poor in 1844-5-6; director and
vice-president of the Ballston Spa Bank from
its organization in 1838 until his death ; presi-
dent of the Saratoga County Bible Society in
1850; and a village trustee in 1839. He died
in 1859 aged 70 years.

His sons inherited the intellectual character-
istics of their father in an unusual degree.
Moss Kent Booth, elder brother of John
Chester, graduated at Union College at the
age of nineteen, with the tirst honors of his
class : was admitted to the Bar at twenty-two,
and began the practice of the law in Boston.
]n 1852 he was a member of the Massachusetts
legislature. He died October 18, 1853.

Of the family of Lebbeus Booth three
daughters still survive: i\Irs. Martha Seelye
of New York City, Mrs. Lucretia Dean of
.\nnandale, N. Y., and Mrs. Susan E. Robin-
son of Riverdale-on-Hudson, N. Y.

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Town of Ballston

By John C. Booth

THE "District of Ballstown" first em-
braced the present towns of Balls-
ton, Milton, Charlton, Galway,
Providence, Edinburgh, and part
of Greenfield. It was christened after the
Rev. Eliphalet Ball,^ who, with a colony of
his old parishioners from Bedford, in West-
chester County, settled near the outlet of
Long Lake in the year 1770. It was first called
Ball-Town, then Balls-Town, and finally
Ballston.

THE INDIAN PARADISE.

The territory of Saratoga County was
claimed as a hunting ground by the Mohawks,
and through them by the confederated tribes
of the Six Nations. Its occupancy, however,
particularly that portion watered by the
Kayaderosseras, in the valley of which are
located the celebrated medicinal springs, seems
to have been common to the whole Indian pop-
ulation of New York and Canada. The effi-
cacy of these mineral waters was widely
spread among the aboriginal inhabitants of
the continent, and the traditions of their
medicine men show that they had been re-
sorted to for the cure of disease by the un-
tutored natives, long before the discovery of
the continent by the whites. Recognizing
them as the especial gift of the Great Spirit,
the Indians, with a spirit of piety and charity
worthy of imitation by more civilized nations,
seem by common consent to have respected
the country around the springs as neutral
ground. To this sanctuary of health all the
tribes had unmolested access, and the horrors
of savage warfare seldom, if ever, disturbed
its repose ; until, incited by the rival rapacities
of the French and English, their pious rev-

'The name "Ball-Town" is said to have been given
to the District at an old-fashioned "raising" of a
log cabin; that Parson Ball offered the McDonald's
a gallon of rum to surrender their right as pioneers
to name the place ; that the offer was accepted, hence
the name "Ballston."

erence for the faith of their ancestors be-
came corrupted, and the sacred precincts of
these life-giving fountains were profaned by
the barbarities of war. Although by im-
memorial custom exempt from hostilities,
this region, from the quantities of game with
which it was stocked, and its unequalled fish-
eries, was a favorite resort of the tribes of
the Six Nations, who claimed sovereignty
over it, and also by the Adirondacks, their
hereditary enemies of the north, who disputed
their title. The hunting grounds of the
Kayaderosseras were always spoken of as
an Indian Paradise.

THE Mcdonald's.

The first settlement within the present
limits of the town of Ballston was made on
the western shore of Long Lake" by two
brothers, Michael and Nicholas McDonald,
natives of Ireland. They were forced emi-
grants to this country. Enticed on board of
a vessel lying in the Liffey, they were brought
to Philadelphia, and as was the custom in
the olden time, sold for a term of years to
defray the expense of a voyage which they
were compelled to make against their will.

After this it would seem that they became
connected with the settlement at Johnstown,
for the traditions of the family indicate that
they came from thence into this county.
The circumstances under which they changed
their residence from the immediate neigh-
borhood and protection of Sir William John-
son are quite satisfactorily explained further
on in this narrative.

As early as the year 1763 the McDonald's
came down the Mohawk to the mouth of
Ael-Plaas creek, when, following the ancient
Indian route up that stream to the point near-
est the Lake, where an Indian portage trail
had long existed, they transported their

''Long Lake or Ballston Lake.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

canoes and chattels to the silent shores of its
then silent and forest-rimmed waters. They
"squatted," to use the expressive nomencla-
ture of modern emigration, on the "Lake
Farm," now (1859) owned In- Edward C.
Delevan, and among the old residents of the
township, the site of this first "clearing" is
still known as "the McDonald place." The
rude cabin they built stood for many years,
even to within the recollection of most of the

1754, known as the second French war, this
route again assumed an importance and value
as a means of communication with the un-
protected settlements at Saratoga (Schuyler-
ville) and along the Upper Hudson. By its
means Sir William Johnson, by a shorter and
more expeditious route than that by way of
Albany, led his faithful Alohawks, and other
Indian auxiliaries from the west, in the famous
expedition against Crown Point in 1755.

The McDonalds' Cabin.

present residents of the neighborhood, a
quaint and eloquent memorial of the trials
and deprivations incident to our pioneer
history.

The location they selected lay directly on
the line of communication between the Six
Nations and the Adirondack and Lower Ca-
nadian Indians. Although unknown to the
early settlers, it was an ancient Indian trail
along which Mohawk and Adirondack war
parties had marched to bloody battle, or re-
treated bearing bloody trophies and mourn-
ing captives.

.After the commencement of hostilities in

The country along the route thus becom-
ing known, and the necessity of keeping open
by settlement such a valuable line of commu-
nication with the north, induced the McDon-
alds, under the advice of Sir William Johnson
to establish themselves at this point.

From the time of their settlement until
1770, they seem to have been left "monarchs
of all they surveyed." Their nearest neigh-
bors were the Dutch burghers of Schenec-
tady, and a few hardy pioneers, scattered at
long intervals along the rich bottom lands of
the Mohawk. Around and to the north of
them stretched an unbroken wilderness, into

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

which these poor but brave Irish boys had
boldly plunged ; sturdily confronting the in-
numerable dangers and trials of that savage
frontier life, and heroically leading the van
in felling the forest and subduing the land
to the uses and support of civilized life. But
if the life in tlieir new home was one of
continued danger and deprivation, nature
presented nnich that was calculated to ofifset
its trials and recompense its losses. Lake
and stream were stocked with the choicest
varieties of fish, and the woods were alive
with game. The beaver was trapped along
the stream which traffic has since subdued to
its service ; and the muskrat burrowed in the
marshes where now fertile farms reward the
thrifty husbandman with bounteous harvests.
As they trapped the beaver, or chased the
deer, or pulled the mottled pickerel and gold-
en perch from the limpid lake, no doubt hon-
est Nick and Mike were devoutly conscious
that their lines had fallen literally "in very
pleasant places."

And when the autumn glories had fallen
upon the forest, the Mohawks and the Onei-
das would take to the old trail up the Ael-
Plaas and over into the lake, on their way
to the hunting grounds around the springs
in the valley of the Kayaderosseras. What
with "strong water," gay cottons and glit-
tering baubles, it is said that considerable
wealth, for those days, in the form of rich
peltries, fell to the lot of the McDonalds,
when their red brethren returned at the close
of the Indian Summer from their annual
hunting in these parts.

In 1764-5, under the directions of the
owners of the land, they opened a rude cart-
road from their ""clearing" to Schenectady.
This road ran through a part of the country
which the Indians had been accustomed to
bum over periodically for the purpose of
forming a deer pasture. The McDonalds
were wont to refer to it as "the burnt hills."
and the locality has retained the title down
to this time. In the midst of this same region
a beautiful rural village now stands, sur-
rounded by highly cultivated farms, and in
no part of the country do thrift and plenty
and the beauty of well-tilled lands exhibit
themselves in happier effect than in and
around the village of Burnt Hills.

In 1768 the proceedings for the partition

of the Kayaderosseras Patent broke the mo-
notony of the wilderness life of the McDon-
alds, and the survey and distribution of that
large grant opened the country for settle-
ment. The "McDonald clearing" on Long
Lake was for a long time the headquarters
of the field parties engaged in laying out the
patent.^

During this survey the house of the Mc-
Donalds was the home of the Commission,
and among the items in the account rendered
by the Commissioners is one for board at the
settlement on Long Lake. A trifle of some

Antlers of Deer shot by Michael McDonald, the first settler

of Ballston, now in possession of Mr. Herbert V.

Calkins, Ballston.

twenty odd pounds is also inserted as due
Michael McDonald for liquors furnished the
Commission during its arduous duties in
the field, and entered in a bold free hand
which shows that it was honest liquor drank
with an honest purpose. A modern commit-
tee would probably have ordered the item
concealed under the less suspicious cogno-
men of "sundries." or have smuggled it
through the gauntlet of public opinion as
"stationery." Not so did our fathers. There
was high debate between the Crown and the
grantees in regard to the extent of the Pat-

^Michael McDonald lived tn the hale old age of
94, remaining on the farm until his death on January
29, 1823. His grave is beside that of his brother
Nicholas on the farm, and on his tombstone is this
record : "He was the first settler of Ballston."

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

ent. Intricate lines were to be disentangled,
and nice points of description to be settled.
The Commissioners were wise men in their
generation, and in accordance with the meas-
ure of their wisdom invoked the spirit of the
Puritans in many a bowl of punch brewed
from the best of New England rum. Thus
were the "crooked paths made straight"
through the Kayaderosseras wilderness, and
like honest men they called things by their
right names, and duly ordered their clerk,
Cornelius Cuyler, to credit Mike with the
liquor on their books.

ELIPH.^LET BALL.

As soon as the Commissioners had com-
pleted their partition, the Rev. Eliphalet Ball,
a Congregational clergyman of Bedford, in
Westchester county, secured from the pro-
prietors a gift of five hundred acres of land
as an inducement to settle a colony of his
parishioners witliin the grant. The congre-
gation of Mr. Ball was composed of inhabi-
tants of Bedford and the adjoining town of
Stamford, in Connecticut. Charles Webb, a
surveyor engaged in partitioning the patent,
and who selected the lands around Long
Lake as the most valuable, was a resident of
Stamford, and a member of Mr. Ball's
church. Guided by Mr. Webb's advice, Mr.
Ball located his land near the outlet of the
lake.'' It was afterwards owned by the Hon.
Samuel Young.

Mr. Ball came here in 1770, and at the
tim.e was accompanied by only one family
of his congregation, Epenetus White, Sen.,
of Stamford, who located on the east shore
of the lake, on what is now known as the
"Collamer Place." These were soon followed
by others, and in 1772 the settlement con-
tained twenty families.

Eliphalet Ball was a man well fitted to lay
the foundation of a new community. He pos-
sessed in an eminent degree the virtues requi-
site for the undertaking. Related to the
mother of General Washington, his father
and that illustrious woman being first
cousins, he is said to have exhibited the same
sterling virtues that rendered her the exem-
plar of her sex. As a man he was enterpris-

'Mr. Ball Imilt liis log-cabin home a little south
of the house long known as the home of Col. Samuel
Young. Christopher Appel now resides there.

ing and energetic, cool and courageous; a
scholar of extensive acquirements, and a
Christian of exalted piety. From one who
remembers him, and who moved into his
neighborhood a few years after his settle-
ment, we learn that "he was a careful ob-
server, a keen discerner of men and things,
and a wise counsellor; in short, a father and
friend to all his people." He brought with
him his three sons, Stephen, John and Fla-
men, and a daughter Mary, afterward the
wife of Gen. James Gordon.

Of his sons, John Ball, known as Col. Ball,
occupied for a long time a prominent posi-
tion in the county. He held a commission in
Col. Wynkoop's regiment during the Revolu-
tion, and while Lieutenant was engaged in
the expedition sent to the relief of Fort Stan-
wix. He was the first supervisor elected in
the town of Milton, and represented the
county in the Assembly of 1793. Those who
remember him speak of him as one of the
most finished gentlemen of the country. A
scholar without pedantry; polite and affable,
he was every way calculated to secure the
love and esteem of all who approached him.
His peculiar and eminent talent for conver-
sation is still spoken of by the few aged sur-
vivors of his generation, and the impressions
left behind him by the exercise of this fac-
ulty, in connection with his amiable charac-
ter, still keep his memory green in the hearts
of the venerable men who yet linger on the
scene he once adorned. He died in Schuy-
lerville in 1838.

Stephen Ball was a soldier of the Revolu-
tion, serving in Col. Wynkoop's regiment.
He was one of the five coroners of the county
in 1796 and 1797. Mr. Sylvester in his his-
tory of Saratoga county, relates the follow-
ing incident: "It is said of Stephen Ball,
that he once assisted his father at a marriage
service in a peculiar way. Having inquired
of the bridegroom whether he had ever seen
anyone married, and finding that he had not,
Stephen told him just what to do, and said
he, 'Father will expect you to kiss the bride
several times during the ceremony, but he
won't like to tell you; I will sit near you and
touch your heel at the right time.' The ser-
vice just commenced, Stephen touched the
heel and a heartj' smack followed. The min-
ister frowned, but said nothing; but when

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

the same thing occurred two or three times,
Mr. Ball threatened to leave them half-mar-
ried if that nonsense didn't stop. The poor
bridegroom replied, 'Stephen told me to.' "
Flamen Ball graduated with distinction at
Yale College in 1787, adopted the profession
of the law, and became one of the prominent
lawyers in New York city.

EARLY SETTLERS.

Beriah Palmer, who had assisted in the
survey of the Patent, settled on the farm now
owned by the Rev. Edward Davis, in 1771 ;
Edward A. Watrous, afterward a representa-
tive in the Assembly from 1800 to 1802; Wil-
liam and Reuben Armstrong, uncles of the
Rev. Lebbeus Armstrong ; Capt. Tyrannis
Collins, Hezekiah Middlebrook, Eliphalet
Kellogg, Joseph Morehouse, Stephen and
Enoch Wood, Nathan Raymond, Thomas
and Peter Smith, Isaac How, Thomas Bar-
num, Elisha Benedict, John Higby, Zaccheus
Scribner, Edmund Jennings,^ Samuel Nash,
Capt. Stephen White, Uri and Ephraim
Tracy, Sunderland Sears, Joseph Bettys, and
his son "Joe Bettys," the notorious tory ma-
rauder and spy, and Dr. Elisha Miller, a
practicing physician, mostly from Connecti-
cut, and the neighborhood of Mr. Ball's
former residence, followed his fortunes into
the wilderness and settled around him. These
emigrants located along the road known as
the "middle line," and some on the east side
of the Lake.

Shortly after Mr. Ball came three brothers,
Samuel, James and William McCrea, sons of
a Presbyterian clergyman, of Lamington, in
the colony of New Jersey, and brothers of
the beautiful but hapless Jeannie McCrea.
Samuel located on the "Ten Eyck farm," op-
posite Anson Buel's residence ; James on the
Baldwin place, where Daniel Hartnett now
resides, ' and William on the farm now owned
by Henry Davis.* With these came Capt.
Kenneth Gordon, also of New Jersey. About
this time there was also a large emigration of
"well-to-do" families from the north of Ire-

°Father ot Joseph Jennings, who was sheriff in
183s, and for many years proprietor of the Milton
House in Ballston Spa.

"His house was on the west side of the road, at
the foot of the hill, just north of his brother James.

'Thf fanr of the late Henry Harrison.

"The site now occupied by the Davis sisters, over-
looking Ballston Lake.

land and Scotland, who turned their steps
thitherward, probably under the advice of
their countryman. General James Gordon,
who had located near Mr. Ball. He resided
on the farm now owned by Solyman Coon,
and still known as the "Gordon place. "°

Among the Scotch immigrants were Rob-
ert Speir and his two sons Archibald and
James, and the Shearer, McDearmid and
Frazer families. Some of these Scotchmen
settled in what is still known as the "Scotch
Bush," the neighborhood lying west of Burnt
Hills ; others along the road from West Mil-
ton to Schenectady, which still retains the
name of "Paisley Street," which they gave it
in honor of their native town. George Scott,
a brother-in-law of Gen. Gordon, and grand-
father of the Hon. George G. Scott, of Ball-
ston Spa, together with Francis Hunter, John
Mclllmoil afid three brothers Kennedy, from
the north of Ireland, located along or in the
vicinity of the "middle line," near its inter-
section with the present south Hne of Milton.
Andrew Mitchell," a Scotchman, settled at
this time on a part of the farm now com-
posing the beautiful homestead of Edward C.
Delevan; and his next neighbor north was
Hezekiah Middlebrook, who had built on the
site of Feeney's farm house. Mitchell was
a Major in the militia during the Revolu-
tion, a prominent and active Whig, and on
the organization of the county was chosen
one of the four first Assemblymen. Captain
Titus Watson, who served in the War of
the Revolution, settled on the east side of
the Lake about 1773. One of his daughters
married Ezekiel Horton, and was the mother
of James W. Horton.

THE FREEHOLD SETTLEMENT.

The present town of Charlton was origi-
nally a part of Balls-Town. The first settler
was Joseph Gonzalez, who made his "clear-
ing" in the west part of the town in 1773, on
the farm since known as the "Consalus

'Now owned by Mr. Fred West.

'"Mitchell was ^la.ior of Col. Van Schoonhoven's
regiment during the Revolution. James Gordon was
Lieut.-Colonel of this regiment, and the Ball-Town
settlement was represented in the ranks by Flamen
Ball, John Ball, Stephen Ball, Uriah Benedict, John
Kennedy, Thomas Kennedy, Michael McDonald,
Samuel McCrea, Stephen Merrick. Joseph More-
house, Beriah Palmer, Jabez Patchin, Thaddeus
Scribner, Sunderland Sears, John Taylor, Edward
A. Watrous and Epenetus White.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

place." This section of the country was then
known as "Woestyne," signifying "the wild-
erness." In 1775 William and Alexander
Gilchrist, Scotch emigrants, with a number
of their countrymen, either direct from Scot-
land or latterly from the Jerseys, settled
along the road on which the United Presby-
terian church now stands, a little eastward
from Gonzalez.

In the month of May, 1774, Thomas
Sweetman, who the year previous had pur-

spring brought on their families, and other
of their old neighbors. Among them were
David Maxwell, John McKnight, Joseph La
Rue, Thomas and Joseph Brown, John Tay-
lor, for a long time one of the Judges of the
County Court, and father of Hon. John W.
Taylor of Ballston Spa, Gideon Hawley and
James Low, father of Thomas Low, a sher-
iff of the county. Jesse Conde, of Schenec-
tady also settled here at this time, and Eli
Northrup, John Holmes and Obediah Wood.

THE "MOURNING KILL," EAST ON MALTA AVENUE

chased land in the "five thousand acre tract,"
arrived with his family at Schenectady, from
Freehold, in the colony of New Jersey. He
"blazed" out the road from Schenectady to
the present town of Charlton, and located
his household gods on the land which
he had purchased, which was situated in the
east part of the town, and has ever since been
known as the "Sweetman place." During the
summer of this year a number of the inhabi-
tants of the Jerseys from Freehold and its
neighborhood purchased land adjoining
Sweetman, and commenced clearing it, and
built them cabins. At the approach of win-
ter they returned to the south, and the next

To distinguish the settlement from the com-
munity on Long Lake, it was called Free-
hold, which name it bore until its organiza-
tion as a town, when it was named Charl-
ton.

This composed the bulk of the settlement.
Its appearance when compared with that of
the present time would present a strong and
wonderful contrast. The country now ■
chequered with beautiful and fruitful farms,
studded with neat and comfortable dwellings,
surrounded with all the appliances of thrifty
husbandry, was then covered with a dense
forest, save where some of these hardy pio-
neers had made "clearings" and erected their

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

log cabins, and among the yet smouldering
brush-heaps and charred stumps had planted
their first seed, looking forward at best to a
precarious growth and scanty harvest. From
one cabin to another rough roads were
opened through the heavy timber, or simply
"blazed" out for the neighborhood con-
venience.

Their life was one of severe labor and
trial, and full of danger. Few possessed suf-
ficient of this world's goods to secure any
luxuries, and even those of comparative
wealth found their life in the wilderness a
complete barrier against indulgence in any
style of living different from their poorer and
laborious neighbors. Schenectady was the
nearest point from which to obtain supplies.
There were no framed houses in the settle-
ment until after 1774.

GENERAL JAMES GORDON.

About the commencement of the Revolu-
tion Gen. Gordon erected a flouring mill on
the Mourning Kill, near his residence, and
a saw-mill nearly opposite, on the same
stream. He was a man of great business en-
ergy and capacity, and being possessed of
wealth and large experience, he applied him-
self to the development of the resources of
the new settlement. His keen discernment
saw the present and future value of the
water-power of its streams, and he at once
purchased and improved all he could secure.
Mills seem to have been his hobby. Besides
the one above mentioned, he erected a saw-
mill on the stream known as "Gordon creek,"
where it crosses the "middle line;" a grist
mill on the Kayaderosseras, near Ingails'
paper mill ; " and another above it on the
same stream where the present mill stands at
Milton Centre.

General Gordon was the leading man in
the new community, and his wealth and long
experience of frontier life, as an Indian
Trader, made him the guide and adviser of
the settlers. He retained his social influence
to the last, dying in 1810, after serving in
most of the political offices in the gift of a
grateful people, and being honored by com-
inissions of high trust by the authorities of
the State. The first death commemorated in
Ballston by a grave-stone was that of his

"Ingails' paper mill was at Factory village.

mother, "Martha, relict of Alexander Gor-
don," who died in 1775.

THE FIRST MEETING-HOUSE.

A community composed of the descend-
ants of the Puritans and emigrants from the
land of Knox, and founded by a zealous
clergyman of their faith, could not long re-
main without a tabernacle, however rude, in
which to praise the God of their fathers. A
condition of Mr. Ball's grant expressly pro-
vided for the ministrations of religion; the
speculators in these lands, wiser than the chil-
dren of light, well knowing that after good

Grave o£ Eliphalet Ball

land and valuable timber, "stated preaching"
was the strongest temptation to offer New
England emigration.

In 1772 a log building was erected on the
comer of the square near where the District
school house now stands, east of the present
Presbyterian church at Ballston Centre."
In this the Rev. Mr. Ball preached to the
assembled settlement on the Sabbath. This
building was soon succeeded by another and
larger framed one, afterwards known as the
"Old Red Meeting House," which was finally
turned into an Academy when the present
church site was selected. From an aged min-
ister of the Gospel, who remembers the old

"This log meetinghouse stood on the southwest
corner of the square at Academy Hill. The "Balls-
ton Fort" of the Revolution, was a high stockade
built around this meeting-house.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

church, we learn that it was the earHest edi-
fice consecrated to public worship erected in
the county. Eliphalet Ball died in Ballston
in 1797.^*

WAR OF THE REVOLUTION.

When the War of Independence began,
though few in numbers and far removed
from the centres of population, the pioneers
of Balls-town were neither indifferent nor
uninterested in the contest, or its result.
Their exposed northern frontier residence ;
their proximity to the Indians, who yet
tliirsted to avenge the wrongs they had suf-
fered by the Kayaderosseras Grant, by which
they had been despoiled of their ancient
hunting grounds ; the powerful interest and
known hatred to the Patriot cause of the
Johnson family, their next neighbors on the
west; the extensive and secret machinations
of the tories in their own midst, prompted
by emissaries from Johnstown and Canada ;
their remote and unprotected situation, ex-
posing them to the fury of the first assaults
from the north, all conspired to make them
keenly alive to the dangers, and anxious for
the result of the great struggle for Independ-
ence.

But the times found men in all respects
equal to the emergency and peril. Measures
were instantly taken for the security of the
settlements. A "Committee of Public Safe-
ty" was organized, composed of the promi-
nent men of the "Ball-Town District," and
among its members were James Gordon, Be-
riah Palmer, Hezekiah Middlebrook and An-
drew Mitchell. The Militia were organized
and Gordon was commissioned Colonel, with
Mitchell as Major. Many enlisted in the line,
among whom were Stephen White, who re-
ceived the rank of Captain, and John Ball as
Lieutenant. A large part of Capt. Samuel
Van Vechten's company in Col. Wynkoop's
regiment, was recruited from this locality,
and Captain White enlisted many for Jiis

"Mr. Ball is buried in the "Briggs burying
ground." The stone at the head of the grave bears
this inscription: "Sic transit, gloria miindi. Sacred
to the memory of Rev. Eliphalet Ball who died April
6, 1797. aged 75 years.

Depart my friends ; dry up your tears,
I must lie here 'till Christ appears."

Mr. Ball is still called by many of the old residents
"Priest" Ball, the familiar name applied to him in
earliest days.

company in Col. Willett's regiment. Among
the most active in encouraging and advising
in these measures of patriotic resistance was
the founder and faithful pastor of the settle-
ment, Eliphalet Ball, who in these perilous
times proved himself a worthy leader of the
Church militant. During this noble fervor
for Independence we find the name of Joe
Bettys, that synonym for all that is infamous,
as a Sergeant under Col. Wynkoop.

These events occurred in 1775-6, and the
Committee soon found that many in the set-
tlement were secretly plotting in favor of
the Crown and holding communication with
Canada. For the protection of the settle-
ment during the alarm occasioned by the
threatened invasion from the north, under

Court House Hill. The Court House site was near the
house at the right.

the advice of Gen. Schuyler, a fort was built
on the corner where Mr. Ball's church stood.
In fact that building formed part of the for-
tification, being surrounded by a palisade of
oak logs, surmounted with pickets, and
pierced with loop-holes for musketry. A
further defence, consisting of an earthen
breastwork, was erected on what is known
as "Court House Hill." By these active and
threatening measures most of the district
was kept in comparative quiet, and the plot-
tings and designs of the loyalists defeated.

TORIES OF THE REVOLUTION.

In the spring of 1777 an extensive con-
spiracy of the tories was discovered, involving
a large number of the inhabitants of Balls-
Town, and extending into the adjacent dis-
tricts and counties. Its head was one Huet-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

son, who had the boldness to openly call for
royal volunteers from the disaffected commu-
nities, and had even seduced numbers of the
patriot soldiery into his plans before discov-
ery. Happily the vigilance of the Balls-
Town Committee scented the treasonable
plot before its execution, and by their timely
activity saved the township from the terrors
of a tory rising. The conspirators were cap-
tured and tried, and after the execution of
their sentences of fine and imprisonment,
succeeded in fleeing to Canada and took ser-
vice in the royal forces. During the remain-
der of the war they were maliciously active
in forays upon Balls-Town and the northern
settlements, rendering themselves infamous
by their acts of malignant revenge against
their old neighborhoods. They were the
chosen tools of Joe Bettys in all his desper-
ate incursions. The names of the Balls-
Town tories were William Frazer, Thomas
Frazer, Thomas Verte, Joseph Shearer, Al-
exander McLoughlin, John Mickle, John
Fairman, Archibald McNeil, John Summer-
ville, James Grant, John Burns, Michael
Conner and John McLaughlin.

The close of the war was the signal for a
large immigration into the county from New
England. The long contest had impoverished
the land, and families who had, in the good
old colonial times enjoyed a competence and
comparative wealth, now found themselves
reduced to poverty as the price of their po-
litical independence. Emigration from their
old homes, which want compelled them to
sacrifice, to the new and cheaper lands of
this then "far west," became a necessity.
Large numbers of veterans who had fought
the good fight on the battlefields of the Revo-
lution, and borne the banner of Independ-
ence to its glorious triumph through that
unequaled contest, through privation and
want ; through slaughter and blood ; left at
the termination of the war with but a mis-
erable pittance, in the form of the depreci-
ated Continental currency, on which to return
to the arts of peace, turned their weary foot-
steps to the virgin forests of the Kayader-
osseras country, to carve therefrom new
homes for themselves and their impoverished
families.

Mr. Booth's history of the town Ballston
ends here.

AFTER THE WAR.

The two years immediately succeeding the
peace witnessed a large influx of population
into the Ball-Town district. The original

settlements received new life and vigor, and
new and more remote ones were established.
Among those who located themselves near
Mr. Ball were the Curtis family, Nathaniel
Booth, Samuel Titus, David Odell and Ste-
phen Seelye, mostly from Connecticut.

A little later, Miles Beach, father of the
famous lawyer, William A. Beach, came to
the Ball-Town settlement, and about the
same time came Seth C. Baldwin, who after-
wards became Supervisor of the town, a
Member of Assembly, Sheriff and County
Clerk. Among others of this period was
Jonathan Peckham, who made the first
"clearing" within the present limits of Ball-
ston Spa, on which he built a log cabin as
early as 1783. Ezekiel Horton came from
Hebron, Connecticut, in 1800, and settled in
the western part of the town. Some years
afterwards he removed to Academy Hill, and
kept the old tavern which was occupied as
a hotel until it was destroyed by fire a few
years ago. His son, James W. Horton, for
nearly forty years clerk of Saratoga county,
was born there, and received his early educa-
tion at the Academy near by. Others who
were prominent in the early days of the last
century were Caleb Benedict, Gideon Luther,
Thaddeus Patchin, Amos Larkin, Uriah
Benedict, Samuel Young,^* and Thaddeus
Scribner, who was in the War of the Revo-
lution, and saw Burgoyne lay down his
arms. He was also, from 1800 to 1832, the
"post-rider," or "old mail carrier, known
far and wide by the blast on his horn." Scrib-
ner became a resident of the village, and the
"Scribner house," on the west side of Gor-
don creek, and not far from "the spring,"
was long one of the old landmarks.

In 1790 James Mann came from Hebron,
Conn., and purchased one hundred acres one
mile southwest of the Spring. The winter
following he returned to Hebron and mar-
ried Miss Tryphena Tarbox. His daughter.
Miss Electa Mann, who lived on this farm
all her life, some years ago described their
bridal trip as follows:

"They made their journey in a large sleigh, cov-
"See biographical sketch.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

ered with domestic linen. The conveyance was
heavily laden with household furniture, and was
drawn by an old-fashioned Yankee team, — a yoke of
oxen, with a horse ahead. They were several days
on the road, but the trip was not entirely lonely.
One evening, meeting with a party of fellow-travel-
ers, their resources were thrown together for en-
joyment. A union supper and a dance followed, —
not keeping as late hours, however, as parties of
later times.

"They came over the Middle Line road, leaving it
about a mile from their new home. The pine woods
were soon reached, through which the road wound,
leading down the hill, over a log causeway, and to a
rise of ground where the log house stood. That
evening they took supper with the Knapp family, —

was a minister of the Congregational faith,
and the church was independent and Congre-
gational in its form of government until after
he retired from the pastorate in 1783.

The first meeting for organization, of
which any record can be found, was held
September 22, 1775, when a brief covenant
upon the basis of the Westminster Confes-
sion of Faith was adopted and signed by the
following persons, constituting the first roll
of members: Zaccheus Scribner, Michael
Dunning, Stephen White, Hezekiah Middle-
brook, John Nash, Samuel Nash, Azor Nash,

THE MANN HOMESTEAD, ERECTED 1805.

of whom they purchased the place, — delicious corn-
cake, fried pork and tea. The snow was two feet on
the ground, and the March winds made wild music
among the thick branches of the forest."

In 1805 Mr. Mann built a large frame
house, and this is one of the few remaining
houses of early days, and has always been
in possession of the Manns. It is now occu-
pied by James R. Mann, a great-grandson of
James Mann. In the kitchen of this house
to-day, just to the left of the outer door,
hangs ihe black felt hat, and underneath it
two canes of James Mann, the elder. It was
here that he hung them when the house was
built, and for more than a hundred years, and
ever since he placed them there for the last
time, this has been their abiding place.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALLSTON.

This pioneer church of the town was
founded by Rev. Eliphalet Ball. Mr. Ball

John Holmes, Eliakim Nash, David Clark,
Thomas Brown, Ebenezer Sprague, Solo-
mon Couch, Hezekiah Wood, Jonas White,
IMary White, Martha Gordon, Elizabeth
Ball, Jane Scott, Rhoda Nash, Sarah Nash,
Jerusha Benedict, Mary Weed, Abigail Col-
lins, Sarah Kellogg.

Mr. Ball however instituted regular
preaching services in 1771, and in 1772 built
the first meeting-house — a small log build-
ing— which gave place in 1780 to a frame
building long known as the "old red meet-
ing house," and in later years as the "Ball-
ston Academy." It was located at Academy
Hill, and was abandoned in 1803 when a new
and larger meeting-house was erected where
the present church stands, which was built
during the pastorate of Rev. Charles H. Tay-
lor, from 1854 to 1 86 1.

The records of the church in the earliest

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

years are very brief, and the names of the
first oflFicers are not mentioned. In 1776
John Young and wife, John Cabell and wife,
William Belding, Eliphalet Kellogg, Solo-
mon Couch, Uriah Benedict, Grickson Fris-
by, Nathaniel Weed and Samuel Benedict
united with the church on profession of faith.
In 1780 the unique record is given that
"nineteen husbands and the wives of all of
them united at once" — John Cabell, James
McCrea, Joseph Morehouse, Samuel Wood,
Epenetus White, Matthew Fairchild, James
Gordon, John Young, William Barnes, Rob-
ert Speir, Samuel McCrea, Jabez Gorham,
Nathan Raymond, John Wood, Beriah Pal-
mer, Sunderland Sears, Michael Middle-
brook, William Bettys and James Gordon,

Jr.

Rev. Ebenezer Martin succeeded Mr. Ball
as pastor September 25, 1783, and October
3 a new covenant was adopted. May 11,
1787, the society completed a Presbyterian
organization by electing Solomon Guernsey.
James White and Isaac How, elders; Mich-
ael Middlebrook and Eliphalet Kellogg, dea-
cons. The church was admitted to the Pres-
bytery in 1787 or 1788, and August 20, 1788,
William Schenck was installed pastor.

The pastors of the church from 1771 to
the present time have been : Eliphalet Ball,
Ebenezer Martin, William Schenck, John B.
Smith, Jonathan Edwards, Joel Bradley, Ste-
phen Porter, Reuben Sears, Reuben Smith,
James V. Henry, Erasmus D. McMaster,
Samuel S. Davis, David Murdock, George H.
Thatcher, John B. Steele, Reuben Smith,
Charles H. Taylor, E. B. Allen, A. B. Morse,
Alexander S. Hoyt, Henry A. Lewis, S. R.
Biggar, J. V. Wemple, and the present pas-
tor, Philip Moore.

An unusual number of candidates for the
ministry have gone forth from this church :
Reuben Sears, Henry R. Weed, Samuel S.
Davis, John K. Davis, James McCrea,
Charles E. Farman, Theophilus Redfield,
Montgomery M. Wakeman, David Murdock,
Nicholas J. Seely, Thomas C. Kirkwood,
William H. Milham, W. W. Curtis and Mat-
thew H. Calkins.

The officers of the church at the present
time are: The Session— William P. Betts,
Charles Jennings, Edward Stewart, Lansing
Cain. The Trustees— Herbert V. Calkins,

Edward Stewart, Richard Post, Paul Brust,
Lewis Sears, Austin J. Slade; clerk and
treasurer, William De Freest.

The church celebrated its centennial Sep-
tember 22, 1875, at which time an exhaust-
ive historical sketch of the church, by the
pastor. Rev. Alexander S. Hoyt, was pub-
lished.

The first Episcopal church in Saratoga
county was instituted in the town of Ballston
in 1787, under the name of "Christ's church,"
and a church edifice was erected at Ballston

Presbyterian Church, Ballston Centre, 1907.

Centre. An account of this church will be
found in connection with Christ church of
Ballston Spa.

VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.

Court House Hill, which became the
county seat soon after the erection of the
county in 1791, will always be a place of his-
toric interest. The first court house and jail
was erected here in 1796. It stood on the
top of the hill, on the west side of the "mid-
dle line" road, near where the house of Mr.
Boyd Miller now stands. A large hotel for
that day was built opposite the court house.
In 1798 the first newspaper in the county,

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

the "Saratoga Register or Farmers' Journal,"
was published at the thriving village. In 1813
there were, besides the court house, twenty-
five houses and several stores. The settle-
ment was called Ballston Village, and also
Saratoga Village, from the name of the
county. The court house was burned in 18 16,
and the county seat removed to Ballston Spa.
Where a growing hamlet then existed there
are now only two or three houses, one of them
the old hotel which sheltered judges, barris-
ters and jurors in those early days.

Ballston Lake is a small hamlet at the
head of the lake, on the Delaware and Hud-
son railroad, and the Schenectady and Sara-
toga electric road.

Forest Park is a recently established and
attractive summer resort on the western shore
of the lake.

East Line is a small hamlet in the towns
of Ballston and Malta, the "east line road"
being the town line. The Episcopalians have
a mission chapel here, and there is also a dis-
trict school.

I^J

L J,3H

^^^■^^^L^^^u hsMi^^

1 ^m . ■ji ^ — -^B^Kl^^^^l

OLD HOTEL, COURT llOL'SK HILL, EKECTKL) V,:i

Ballston Centre is on the "middle line,"
about a mile south of Court House Hill. The
church organized by Eliphalet Ball is now lo-
lated here, and is one of our most prosper-
ous churches. A historical sketch of this
earliest church is given elsewhere.

Academy Hill is one mile east of Balls-
ton Centre. Spafford's Gazetteer, published
in 1813, says: "The Academy and Town
House, which was formerly occupied by Par-
son Ball and his congregation as a house of
worship are located here. This is also called
Ballston Village, and has an Academy, a
post-office, hotel and twenty to thirty houses,
stores, etc." The hotel was burned some
years ago ; and the "Academy," for many
years an excellent school, teaching the higher
English and classical branches, is now but
a disappearing memory, the building having
been destroyed by fire many years ago.

Burnt Hills is a beautiful village with a
population of about three hundred. The
hotel in the center of the village was one of
the most popular taverns of stage-coaching
days, being the half-way house between Sche-
nectady and Ballston Spa. There are three
churches — Baptist, Episcopal and Methodist.
The Baptist society is one of the earliest in
the county, having been instituted in 1791.
There is also a graded public school.

For a number of years Rev. H. W. Bulk-
eley conducted a large boarding school for
boys about two miles south of Ballston Spa,
the Academy being situated on the south bank
of the Mourning Kill. It is novv the residence
of Rev. S. B. Stewart.

The town, outside the village of Ballston
Spa, has from the earliest settlement been de-
voted almost entirely to agricultural pursuits.
Spafford's Gazetteer (1813) says: "The hi-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

habitants are principally farmers, of plain do-
mestic habits, possessing the blessings of in-
dustry, temperance and frugality. Much of
their clothing is the joint product of their
farms and houses, the most honorable to
farmers of any that can be worn."

In very early times Peter Williams had a
tannery, and also a shoe-shop on the Mourn-
ing Kill.

Prior to 1825 Sylvester Blood had an axe
factory on the Mourning Kill, and Edmund
Hubbell a woolen mill on the same stream.
The buildings were burned about 1825, and
were not rebuilt.

Among the prominent men of the town
during the past half century, with whom the
writer had a personal acquaintance, the fol-

exception of Dr. Abel, were prosperous farm-
ers, the fertile soil, under their careful tillage,
yielding abundant crops. From its first set-
tlement to the present day the town has ever
been one of the finest farming regions in the
Empire State.

Mourning Kill, at Bulkeley's.

lowing are recalled: Henry I. Curtis, Sam-
uel Rue, John J. Sherwood, Edward C. Del-
evan, Thomas Feeney, David R. Harlow,
Thomas B. Sherwood, Egbert Haight, David
Atkins, Henry Davis, Dorus Hicks, John Vib-
bard, John Van Buren, Charles W. Smith,
Calvin T. Peek, Carmi Smith, S. Wakeman
Buel, William Southard, Jonas Southard, Al-
bert S. Curtis, William S. Curtis, James P.
Smith, Morehouse Betts, Anson B. Garrett,
Hanford Betts, George Smith, Samuel R. Gar-
rett, Barnabas Grossman, Henry Doolittle,
Amos Hewitt, Calvin P. Calkins, Jehiel J Mil-
ler, Elisha Curtis, Piatt Jennings, Alonzo B.
Comstock, Riley Crippen, the Bradts, the Mer-
chants, Alexander Sears and Henry Sears,
Sanford Pierson, the Larkins, John P. Roe,
the popular auctioneer, Truman Kathan, Isaac
Schauber, Nathan J. Seely, and Doctor
Reuben Abel. These men, with the single

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

JAMES GORDON.

At the time Saratoga county was set off
from Albany county, (1791), James Gordon
had long been a distinguished citizen of this
part of New York. He was born October 31,
1739, at Killcad, County of Antrim, Ireland,
He was of a Presbyterian family of Scottish
origin ; his ancestors on both sides having em-
grated from Scotland in "Montrose's time,"
to escape the persecution. His paternal an-
cestors were from Haddingtonshire, and more
remotely from the Highlands. Having re-
ceived a classical education, and disliking the
medical profession for which his father had
designed him, in 1758, at the age of nineteen,
he embarked for New York on a mercantile
adventure. Narrowly escaping the pursuit of
a French privateer, his vessel safely arrived
in port. After disposing of his share of the
cargo, and visiting Philadelphia, he went to
Albany, and subsequently in connection with
John Macomb of that place, a relative, was
engaged in furnishing supplies for the army
which had then marched for Ticonderoga and
Crown Point under the command of Gen. Am-
herst. On the close of the war he became a
partner with Askim & Rogers, a commercial
house in Albany, established principally for
carrving on the Indian trade with Detroit and
the other Western Forts. He continued in
this business until 1763, when he sold out and
returned to his parents in Ireland.

In 1765 he returned to America, and soon
after went to Oswego and supplied goods for
the garrison at that place, being a partner or
agent of Phyne & Ellice, Indian traders of
Schenectady. About 1771 he removed to the
"Ball-Town district," then almost a wilder-
ness, in which he was an extensive landed pro-
prietor. In 1773 he visited his native country,
and the next year the surviving members of
his deceased father's family, consisting of his

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

mother, a brother, and two sisters,* followed
him to Ballston. In 1775 he was married to
Mary, daughter of Rev. Eliphalet Ball. He
took an early and decided stand in favor of the
colonies in their difficulty with the mother
country, and when hostilities commenced his
influence, which was quite extensive, was
actively exerted in their behalf. He was com-
missioned as a Colonel of tlie State Militia,
and performed service as such on several
occasions during the war. His capture and
imprisonment in Canada, and his escape and
sufferings on the route from Quebec to Pas-
samoquoddy, through the wildnemess, will
hereafter be noticed. In 1785 he was com-
missioned a Brigadier-General by Governor
Clinton.

Gen. Gordon was distinguished for his
sagacity, sound and discreet judgment and
strict integrity. Although reserved and some-
what austere in his intercourse, and digni-
fied in his bearing, he was nevertheless the
most popular man of his day in this locality.
He was the first Supervisor of Ballston,
which was then in Albany county, and em-
braced one-half of the present county of Sar-
atoga, and continued in that position several
years. He was a member of the Assembly,
and nine years a State Senator. He was also
a Representative in the Second and Third
Congress, while Washington was President.
In politics he was a Federalist. Sometime
after the war he was honored with a visit at
his residence in Ballston, from Gen. Wash-
ington, and some of the members of his mil-
itary staff, who were returning from a tour
of inspection at the North, and had visited
on their return, the springs at Saratoga and
Ballston. Gen. Gordon died in Ballston Jan-
uary 17, 1810.

BERIAH PALMER.

Beriah Palmer first came into this section
about 1769, having been appointed a surveyor
to assist in running the allotment lines of the
Kayaderosseras Patent. When the survey was
completed in 1771 he settled on the farm for
many years known as the "Dominie Davis
farm," near Burnt Hills, in late years the
home of S. Wakeman Buel. During the
Revolution he took a prominent and active

*Mrs. George Scott, and Sarah, afterwards Mrs.
William McCrea.

part on the side of the patriots, and was a
leading member of the Committee of Safety
in this part of Albany county, and also served
in the Twelfth Regiment of the State Militia.
He represented Saratoga county in the As-
sembly in 1793-4-5; was appointed Judge of
the Court of Common Pleas in 1791 ; repre-
sentative in Congress. 1803-5 ; delegate to Con-
stitutional Convention of 1801 ; Surrogate
1808-12; Supervisor 1790-91 and again in
1799, and Moderator of the first Board of
Superv'isors of Saratoga county in 1791. Mr.
Palmer died May 20, 1812, aged 72 years.
His grave is in the village cemetery at Balls-
ton Spa.

DR. SAMUEL D.WIS.

Dr. Samuel Davis was the second phy-
sician to locate in the Balls-Town settlement,
coming here in 1790. His predecessor in the
field was Dr. Elisha Miller who came from
Westchester county in 1770, about the same
time as Parson Ball, and settled on the east
side of the lake, near the outlet, and lived
a long and active life. Dr. Davis was bom
in East Hampton, Long Island, in 1765. At
an early age he chose the profession of med-
icine, and became distinguished as a physi-
cian and surgeon of the old school. After
the completion of his medical course, he prac-
ticed with great acceptance for two years in
Schoharie county, N. Y. Then Beriah Palmer
and Seth C. Baldwin, two of Ballstown's in-
fluential citizens, learning from friends in
Albany who had become acquainted with him,
of his skill and success for so young a man,
induced him to settle in Ballstown, where at,
twenty-five years of age, he began a practice
which continued with great success for fifty
years. Dr. Davis settled on the "middle
line," where A. J. Slade now resides. He
died in 1840, in his 76th year. He secured
not only an enviable confidence in his skill in
the profession, but the respect, esteem and
confidence of the inhabitants of the commun-
ity, as a man of high moral character, genial
and gentlemanly in his manners, and a chris-
tian gentleman.

SAMUEL YOUNG.

Samuel Young was bom in the town of
Lenox, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, in
December, 1779. He came with his parents
to Saratoga county about the close of the

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Revolutionary war. As a farmer's boy his
opportunities for acquiring an education were
limited to the "district school," and studying
by the light of a pine knot, after a hard day's
work in the field or woods, and long after the
rest of the family were asleep. Having de-
termined to enter the legal profession, he
commenced the study of the law as a clerk
in the office of Judge James Emott, then
practicing near Court House Hill. After
completing his studies, he was admitted to
the Bar and soon acquired a large and lucra-
tive practice.

He was early called into public life, and
for more than thirty years was recognized as
one of the leading statesmen of his time. He
was Supervisor of Ballston in the years 1809-
IO-12-13; in 1814 he was Member of As-
sembly, and being returned in 1815, was
elected Speaker. In 1816 he was appointed
one of the canal commissioners of the State,
serving in this capacity for twenty-four years,
during which period the Erie canal was con-
structed. He was a military aide on the staff
of Governor Tompkins in 1816, which gave
him the title of "Colonel," and from this time
until his death he was everywhere known as
Colonel Young. In 1821 he was elected with
Salmon Child, John Cramer and Jeremy Rock-
well to represent Saratoga county in the
State convention for the revision of the
Constitution. In 1824 he was nominated for
{jovernor, but was defeated by De Witt Qin-
ton. The next year he was elected to the
Assembly, and on the assembling of the Leg-
islature in 1826, was again chosen Speaker.
At this time, John W. Taylor, residing in the
same town, was Speaker of the National
House of Representatives. At the fall elec-
tion in 1830 they were pitted against each
other for Congress, Colonel Young being de-
feated by a small majority.

In 1833 ^^ '^^s appointed a first judge of
Saratoga county, holding the office until the
expiration of his term in 1838, declining re-
appointment. In 183s he was again elected
to the State Senate, and re-elected in 1838.
Resigning in 1840, he was again chosen in
1845, and was a member of that body until
the close of the session in 1847, when his
term expired under the new Constitution. In
1842 the Legislature elected him Secretary
of State, in which office he continued until

1845. During this term of office he was act-
ing superintendent of common schools, and
laid the foundation of our masterly system
of public instruction. Colonel Young was
one of the Regents of the University from
1817 to 1835, when he resigned.

After the close of his public career, in 1847,
Colonel Young retired to his farm in Ball-
ston, just north of Academy Hill, where he
died on the third day of November, 1850, in
the seventy-third year of his age. He was
essentially a self-made man, and the habit of
study acquired in early youth always clung to
him, and he became possessed of a classical,
scientific and general education such as few
collegians aspire to. After passing the age
of sixty he commenced the study of several
of the modern languages, and retained his
vigor of mind to the last.

Colonel Young was a public speaker of
great force, and a gifted orator. He was in
great demand throughout the State on public
occasions, and delivered the oration at a cele-
bration of the sixty-fourth anniversary of the
Declaration of Independence, in New York
city, on July 4, 1840. On the Fourth of July,
1826, the semi-centennial of American Inde-
pendence, Colonel Young, at that time Speaker
of the State Assembly, presided at the cele-
bration in Ballston Spa, and John W. Taylor,
then Speaker of the House of Representa-
tives, was the orator of the occasion. It is
said of him that "he combined brilliant speak-
ing with brilliant writing." As Speaker of
the Assembly he became known as "the sword,
the shield, and the ornament of his party."

Epenetus White was one of the party of
surveyors in charge of Beriah Palmer. He
was from Stamford, Connecticut, and his
family was the only one of the congregation
of Rev. Eliphalet Ball which accompanied
him to the settlement in 1770, other families
coming a year later. White settled on the
east side of Ballston Lake, his homestead be-
ing on the site of the brick house for many
years the Collamer residence. He was a man
of ability and occupied a prominent position
among the pioneer settlers. He served in the
Revolutionary army. In 1794 he was ap-
pointed a Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Stephen White, a brother of Epenetus
White, came to the new settlement in Ball-
Town in 1 77 1. He was a Captain in Col. Van
Schoonhoven's Regiment during the Revolu-
tion, and also in the regiment of Col. Marinus
Willett. The late Judge Scott received from
his father, James Scott, the following inter-
esting reminiscence: "Capt. Stephen White
in 1781 commanded a company of nine months
men in Col. Willett's regiment. In the fall
of that year this company distinguished itself
in the battle of Johnstown. Capt. White, with
several of his men, after a gallant struggle,
was captured and taken to Canada. They
did not return home until after the peace.
During their march to Canada, the Indians
formed the death ring around Capt. White,
and while the tomahawk hung suspended
over his head, he, with a courage and pres-
ence of mind seldom equalled, wrested it
from the savage, while the other savages ex-
claimed "brave," and all proceeded on their
march."

Sf.th C. Baldwin was a pioneer settler of
the town. His home was near Academy Hill.
He filled important public positions for many
years. He was Supervisor in 1793, and
1 800-1; Member of Assembly 1797-8-9:
Sheriff 1801-2-3; County Clerk for nine-
years, from 1804 to 1813. He kept the
county records at his residence, no public of-
fice having then been built.

Edward A. Watkous came in 1771 and

made his pioneer home on the south side of
Court House hill, where the late Alonzo
Comstock resided. Mr. Watrous served in
the Revolutionary war, and was among
those who were captured in the Tory raid of
1780, and taken to Canada. He was Mem-
ber of Assembly 1800-2; supervisor in 1794-
5-6; county treasurer from 1805 to 1810.

The three McCrea brothers, Samuel,
James and William, came from New Jersey
soon after Eliphalet Ball, and located about
one mile north of Academy Hill. They were
prominent men in the settlement, and became
widely known through the tragic death of
tlieir sister, Jeannie McCrea. James Mc-
Crea was Member of Assembly in 1824, and
Supervisor from 1816 to 1823. In 1818 he
was appointed a Judge of the Court of Com-
mon rieas. Samuel McCrea was Super-
visor in 1805-6-7-8. William McCrea was
Coroner in 1809-10.

Among residents of the town in the early
years who held official positions we find
Henry Walton, Surrogate from 1794 to
1808; David Rogers, Member of Assembly
in 1805-7-9-11; John Gibson, Member of As-
sembly in 1818; Abner Carpenter, Member
of Assembly in 1819; Samuel Cook, Master
in Chancery in 1801 : Caleb Benedict, County
Treasurer in 1794; Nathan Raymond, Coro-
ner in 1796-7-8; Nathaniel Booth, Super-
visor 1802-3-4.

BRIGilS BURYING GROUND,
Many pioneer settlers are buried here.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

((

Burning of Ballstown"

THE greatest disaster which befell
the Ballstown District during the
Revolutionary War was one of the
tragic events of the Indian and
Tory raid known in history as The Northern
Invasion of 1780. That the notorious tory
spy, Joe Bettys, was the instigator of the
raid upon the Ballstown settlement, there can
be little doubt ; that he acted as guide for
Captain Munro is conclusively shown in the
narration of the meeting of Bettys and Heze-
kiah Middlebrook on the day preceding the
night in October when the descent was made
upon the settlement.

Mr. Booth in his unpublished history, gives
the most authentic and complete account of
this historic event, and other exploits of Joe
Bettys of a similar character, that has ever
been written.

The diary of Colonel Gordon, and the story
of Mrs. Waller, his daughter, who was an
eye-witness of the scenes enacted on that ter-
rible night, have never before been published.
Nor is the story of "The Tory, Banta," to be
found in the published histories.

In the chapter which follows, Mr. Booth
has made a valuable contribution to the his-
tory of the Revolution.

THE TORY SPY— JOE BETTYS.

By John C. Booth.

Among all the fears of the people none
could equal that in which one man alone was
held. This individual was Joseph Bettys, an
embodiment of every trait that would serve
to render a man dans^erous and to be dreaded.
In all the injuries inflicted on the settlement
his hand could be traced. Around him as
the centre from which they received their in-
telligent direction and power — all the secret
machinations and bold escapades that so often
startled the northern frontier revolved. Se-
cret and unscrupulous in his means ; daring

and desperate in action ; malicious and re-
vengeful by nature, he was the incarnation
of all that was terrible in war, and fearful in
the spy and desperado. No individual in that
long contest exhibited such daring, such abil-
ity in the acts of the spy, such undaunted res-
olution, such desperate sacrifices, as did he,
and when to these we add a malice that was
insatiable, a conscience that knew no guide
but revenge, a nature utterly unscrupulous in
its choice of means to gratify its unhallowed
ends, we have a character which in times of
peace was to be feared, and in the unbridled
license of war became an object of unmiti-
gated terror. Such was Joe Bettys, and his
name to this day is held in merited execra-
tion for his manifold crimes and outrages on
this frontier.

His father and himself had settled in the
district shortly after Mr. Ball came, on the
site where William Wilson now resides,*
next south of the Merchant place, on the Mid-
dle Line. Here the family kept an inn, dis-
pensing the usual "entertainment for man
and beast," which the narrow limits and
scanty larder of a frontier cabin and "clear-
ing" could supply to a custom that could not
have been large or fastidious. The elder
Bettys seems to have been much respected and
esteemed by his neighbors, and an unsus-
pected patriot. He was quite advanced in
years when the Revolution began, and
from age and disposition took no active in-
terest in the movement. Probably too, like
a wise Boniface, as he no doubt was, he
thought it prudent in "mine host" not to of-
fend either party by an officious activity,
lest custom should suffer.

Not so with his son, however. Irritable,
fond of excitement, hold and reckless, war
offered to him a field of activity too inviting
to be avoided. Accordingly we find John
Ball enlisting him as sergeant in Captain Van

'Now the residence of Anson Mead.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Vechten's company. With him he went to
the rehef of Fort Stanwix. Unaccustomed
to the restraints of military life and unable
to control his temper, he one day struck his
superior officer, for some imaginary insult,
and for this offense was reduced to the ranks.
Who can tell how much this first disgrace
affected his life and aroused those feelings
of malignant revenge which prompted his
after deeds? Still, through the intercession
of powerful friends, who knew his boldness
and daring, he was again promoted, but in
another branch of service. He had, before
the war, lead a wild and roving life, and some-
time followed the sea. In the northern cam-
paign of '76, he was appointed to a sergeantcy
on one of the vessels composing the fleet
commanded by Arnold on Lake Champlain.
No two men, in the marked features of their
characters, more resembled each other. Both
were brave almost to recklessness ; both
unscrupulous and selfish ; both headstrong and
irritable; both as skillful in management as
they were undaunted in danger; both malig-
nant and revengeful in heart; and both at-
tained to the same deathless notoriety ; traitors
to the holiest of causes, and despoilers of the
heritage they sought to betray.

In the desperate action which closed that
campaigTi, Bettys fighting under the immedi-
ate eye of General Waterbury, displayed a
courage and skill that won tokens of the
warmest ai)provaI from that veteran com-
mander. In the midst of the bloodiest slaugh-
ter, when all of his superior officers were
killed or disabled, and his vessel sinking, with
a courage which no danger could daunt, he
still continued to fight his ship with a skill
and desperation that seemed to defy defeat.
Not until orders from his General compelled
him did he quit his sinking hulk, and then in
the heat of the action repairing to Water-
bury's vessel, he continued to fight with the
same imflinching bravery, until its flag was
finally struck to the enemy. Better far had
it been for Bettys could he have perished in
this bloody battle ! But the evil fates reserved
hjm as a scourge to his countrymen and a
disgrace to mankind.

After this action he went to Canada, re-
ceived an ensign's commission in the British
army, and devoted himself body and soul to
the cause of the Crown. His intimate knowl-

edge of the country, his sagacity and cunning,
his indomitable perseverance and courage
made him an invaluable acquisition to the ene-
my. Secreting a body of soldiers in some
hiding place in the neighboring forests, to be
near to assist him in an emergency, he would
enter the frontier settlements in some impene-
trable disguise and marking its prominent
patriots, return to the rendezvous, and when
night had fallen upon his unsuspecting vic-
tims, sally forth, capturing their persons and
pillaging their houses. At other times, did
his commander in Canada desire to communi-
cate with the British in New York, Bettys
was the man selected for the hazardous enter-
prise. Unknown, unscathed, he would pass
and repass through the savage wilderness, the
hostile camps and country, on his treasonable
errands, well knowing that discovery was
death, and that the country was alive with
spies for his detection. No enterprise was too
hazardous for his courage or too difficult for
his perseverance. Continually hovering with
predatory bands of Tories and Indians upon
the frontier, and constantly in communication
with the disaft'ected, he possessed accurate in-
telligence of the strength and movements of
the patriots, and was thus enabled to fall upon
any unprotected locality with a certainty of
success that clothed his movements with some-
thing akin to supernatural dread.

At one time with a band of desperadoes, he
was leading a wild foray for pillage upon some
devoted settlement; at another, with a few
chosen comrades, he was dogging the steps of
some ardent patriot to secure his capture.
Now in a disguise that would defy detection
he could be seen boldly walking the streets of
Albany, gathering information and spying out
its strength ; then again skulking in the cover
of the neighboring wood he would send the
assassin's bullet on its deadly mission, aimed
at some doomed Whig peacefully laboring in
his "clearing," or in the dead of night apply
the torch to the corn-ricks and cabins of some
victim of his malignant revenge. Ballstown
seemed to be an especial object of hatred to
him. Time and again was it startled by some
daring escapade or wanton outrage perpe-
trated by him. And yet every motive of an
honorable man would have led him to spare
his old neighbors.

In one of his expeditions as a spy he was

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

■29

captured in the Highlands of the lower Hud-
son. Tried and condemned, he was doomed
to the gibbet, when moved by the entreaties of
his aged parents, the leading Whigs of Balls-
town interceded for his pardon. Washington
listened to their appeal and he was released
from his merited doom and returned to his
home. Probably maddened by the taunts of
his neighbors and the disgrace of his treason,
he repudiated the conditions of his pardon,
and entered with more ferocity upon his ca-
reer of desperate crime. His design seems
to have been to capture and make way with
every prominent patriot in the district.

His first attempt was against Major Mitch-
ell, who lived just north of his father's inn.
The Major, always active and fearless in dis-
charge of his duties, had been to Schenectady
one day in the fall of '79 on business, and
towards evening was returning alone on
horse-back. He had crossed the Ael-PIaas be-
low Burnt Hills, and was riding slowly
through the woods when he was suddenly con-
fronted by Bettys. Suspecting a plan to en-
trap him, he put spurs to his horse, and turned
him suddenly into the timber. As he did so
he heard the ominous clicking of gim locks
from the bushes near by and the shout of
Bettys calling upon him to stop. "Hout, tout,
my man ! It's no time for honest folk to be
stopping here," replied the wary Scot, and
springing from his horse he plunged into the
almost impenetrable underbrush for escape.
The baffled Tories sent a volley after him,
but without effect, as the doughty Major
came off safe and alarmed the settlement.

During the following night, however, these
desperadoes succeeded in capturing Judge
Epenetus White and Captain David Rumsey.
two old residents on the east shore of the
Lake, and after pillaging their houses bore
them off unmolested to Canada. The next
year Bettys again returned from the north
with a large force. During the season he was
frequently seen skulking about the country,
but all effort for his capture was unsuccess-
ful. Aided by his marvelous knowledge of its
hiding-places, and by assistance from the Tory
residents of the district, he baffled every at-
tempt at seizure. The disappearance of stock,
the burning of some dwelling, or the sudden
departure of some suspected Tory, showed
that the daring marauder was busy at his

work, pillaging and enlisting men for the
Crown.

THE TORY RAID OF I780.

At last he executed the master stroke of
malice and revenge. Although he took no per-
sonal part in the actual transaction we are
about to relate, yet there is every indication
that he instigated, planned and guided the
whole movement. P'rom memoranda made by
the Hon. George G. Scott, of his father's
(James Scott) narrative of the transactions
of that fearful night, we are enabled to give
the following account :

It was in the month of October in 1780.
The particulars of the fearful massacre
at Cherry Valley had but a short time
previously reached the Ball-Town settle-
ment. Our informant says. "I well rec-
ollect that a traveler in search of land,
probably a speculator, stopped at our house
and while eating his meal related to us all the
particulars of that massacre. We had not be-
fore heard of it. I remember also that our
family, for several nights, fastened up the
house and slept in the woods ; putting their
most valuable effects in a chest and burying it
in the ground." As the tidings of the fate of
Cherry Valley spread through the settlement
we can well imagine the terror produced by
the above example. These apprehensions
soon died away and the people began to feel
a sense of security. But a master hand had
woven the meshes of this plot against their
safety, and he was never known to waver from
his purpose.

Sir Guy Carleton, then commanding in Can-
ada, had fitted out an expedition of one thou-
sand men, mostly refugees and Indians, to
harass the northern frontier. Coming up Lake
Champlain they landed at Bullwagga Bay,
near Crown Point. Here a party of some two
hundred, many of whom were Tories from the
Ball-Town neighborhood, were despatched
under command of Captain Hugh Munro, to
march through the wilderness for that settle-
ment, with orders "to plunder, burn, and take
prisoners, but not to kill unless attacked."
These orders, it is said, originated in a desire
to prevent the bloody atrocities that had
occurred at Cherr>' Valley. Crossing the
wilderness to the head-waters of the Kay-
aderosseras, they followed that stream down

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

to West Milton. It was on the day that they
arrived here, that Hezekiah Middlebrook,
■driving some cattle from his homestead in the
south part of the neighborhood, to a "clear-
ing" he had further north in what is now
tailed Milton, suddenly met Joe Bettys, who
had not been heard from since the year be-
fore. Of all the men in the patriot cause,
Middlebrook seems to have been the only one
for whom the spy had any feeling of grati-
tude. As a slight redeeming incident it de-
serves mention in the long record of crime

he was going, and when informed, requested
him to return to his home. Something in the
Tory's manner impressed him with a sense of
some impending danger, and accompanied by
"Joe" he retraced his steps. Bettys did not
go far with him, however, but suddenly plung-
ing into the woods by the road-side, left Mid-
dlebrook in a quandary of fear and wonder at
his mysterious conduct.

That night, October i6th, Munro's com-
mand commenced their march upon the de-
voted settlement. Their route lay down

"THE KAYADEROSSER.AS RIVER, DOWN FROM BLITTERSDORF BRIDGE, BALLSTON SPA.

and perfidy that constitutes his life. It also
shows that Bettys was cognizant of the whole
movement. Middlebrook before the war had
shown "Joe" some little favor that had won
his regard, and during these disastrous times
had been full of neighborly kindnesses to his
aged parents. Contrary to the usual bent of
his nature, these acts seem to have inspired
a sentiment of gratitude in the Tory's heart,
and although I\Iidd!ebrook was a prominent
Whig and Chairman of the Committee of
Safety, he hesitated not to interfere for his
safety.

Bettys questioned Middlebrook as to where

"Paisley street" through the Scotch settle-
ment before spoken of to the house of a Tory
named James McDonald, who lived about one
mile west of what is now known as "Court
House Hill," near Jonathan McBride's present
residence.^ About dusk they stopped at a
Highland Scotchman's, one Angus McDear-
mid. The Indians were highly delighted with
a spinning wheel which Dame McDearmid
was using. The house was filled so full with
the untutored admirers of this ancient house-
hold appendage, that the floor gave way, pre-
cipitating all into the cellar. McDearmid

'Now the residence of Mrs. John Welsh.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

seems to have been a Loyalist ; at all events on
friendly terms with the enemy.

Under the guidance of McDonald they here
left the road, and following a well-beaten trail
across the farm now owned by John J. Sher-
wood, came to the "clearing" of General Gor-
don. Here the party was divided, one detach-
ment going to the house of Captain Tyrannis
Collins, who lived near by, just across the
Mourning Kill. Arrived here they attempted
to break in the door, which was barred, with
their tomahawks. Collins, aroused by the
noise and suspecting the cause, sprang to the
door and pressed against it with his back, until
he was finally severely wounded by a blow
from a tomahawk through the now shattered
door. Effecting an entrance they made him
prisoner. His son Mannassah, or "Mann"
Collins, slept up-stairs in the cabin, and creep-
ing through a square hole in the logs, intended
for a window, escaped to the Fort and gave
the alarm.

The other party advanced directly upon
Gordon's house which stood on the north side
of the Mourning Kill, near the present house
occupied by Solyman Coon.^ It was sur-
rounded by many appliances of comfort and
luxury, which the wealth of its owner enabled
him to command ; though when compared
with the farm houses of the present day in
that neighborhood, it would present but a mea-
gre and uninviting appearance. The first in-
timation of danger that Gordon received was
the smashing of the glass in the windows of
the apartment in which himself, wife and lit-
tle daughter* were sleeping. Springing from
his bed he rushed to the door of the room
opening into the hall, now filled with the ene-
my. As he opened the door a powerful savage
raised his tomahawk to strike him, but an of-
ficer arrested his arm as the blow was des-
cending, aimed at Gordon's head. At this
time the old brass clock in the hall struck
twelve. An Indian hearing it, shattered it in
pieces with his tomahawk, exclaiming: "You
never speak again." Having secured Gordon
a scene of indiscriminate pillage ensued. The
house was ransacked from top to bottom
by the thieving squaws who accompanied the
party, and everything that was of value that

'Now the home of Fred West.
'Afterwards -Mrs. Ver Planck and subsequently
Mrs. Waller.

was portable carried away. An attempt was
made to lire the house and bams, but this
was prevented by those in command. This
order was not given on account of any gen-
erous scruples, but from the fact that they had
learned that the Fort at the church had been,
within a few days, garrisoned by two hundred
militia from Schenectady, and they were fear-
ful that the light from the burning buildings
would give the alarm of their proceedings.
This information had also thwarted the origi-
nal design of the expedition, which was to
attack Schenectady, at which place Captain
Munro had formerly been a merchant.

Turning their attention to Balls-Town it
was determined to capture every prominent
Whig, and to lay waste their homesteads. But
fearful of an attack in their rear, should they
proceed to the southward of the fort, they
began their operations at Gordon's. Besides
Gordon, they took from his house Jack Gal-
braith, an Irishman, John Parlow, a Canadian
boy, servants, and Nero," Jacob and Ann,
negro slaves. Another slave, a fat wench,
"Liz," unobserved in the darkness and con-
fusion, escaped to the cornfield, where she
hid. The house dog, affrighted, ran barking
towards her, when she tore a strip from her
nightgown and tied it fast around his mouth
to prevent his noise. She escaped capture.

While these events were transpiring, the
other party had attacked the house of Isaac
Stow, Gordon's miller, which stood on the
present site of the district school house. Stow
escaped from them and ran towards Gordon's
for the purpose of alarming him. Seeing the
party with Gordon and the other prisoners
coming towards the road he shouted, "Col-
onel Gordon, save yourself! the Indians!"
Gordon's captors started towards him. Stow
detected his danger and sprang to one side
towards a thicket on the bank of the mill-pond.
Ere he reached it, however, an Indian hurled
his pontoon at him, and he fell. The savage
then dispatched him with his tomahawk, and
secured his scalp. Thus the faithful man
perished in his generous effort to save the
life of his employer.

The two parties now uniting, with their
prisoners and booty they advanced northward
up the "middle line." The next house they

°James Scott received most of this information
from Nero, after his return from captivity.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

attacked was Thomas Barnum's whom they
captured. He lived where Dorus Hicks now
resides." From here they proceeded to
Captain Elisha Benedict's place. Here they
made prisoners of the Captain and his three
sons, Caleb, Elias and Felix, and Dublin,
his slave, and after pillaging the house, fired
the barn. The next house was the residence
of Edward A. Watrous.' It stood on the
south side of Court House Hill, and east of the
road, and next beyond him, on the site where
the old Court House was afterward built
dwelt his father-in-law, Paul Pierson, and his
son, John Pierson. These three were also
captured and carried along. Beyond this,
next north, lived John Higby and his son
Lewis, where Samuel Raymond now resides.®
They were taken and the house burnt. The
"Hawkins farm," where James Tibbetts now
resides," was then occupied by Jonathan Tiler.
He heard the noise, and saw the light of
Benedict's burning bam, and suspecting the
cause aroused his family in all haste, and
seizing what few effects he could carry, fled
with them into the thick hemlocks that ad-
joined his "clearing" on the east. The enemy
coming up, pillaged his premises and fired the
house, and then passed on to the north.
Tiler's mother-in-law, "Granny Leake," who
had concealed herself near the house, as soon
as they had retired, rushed from her hiding
place and succeeded in quenching the fire.
The building yet stands, an eloquent memo-
rial of that fearful night, with its sides charred
with the fire that, but for the brave Granny
Leake, would have reduced it to ashes.

The next house was that of Lemuel Wilcox,
a short distance north, on the east side of the
road. Wilcox was in the army, and Mrs.
Wilcox was alone. Hearing the noise at
Tiler's and seeing the marauders approaching,
she ran across the clearing to seek a hiding
place in the barn. She was overtaken by a
stalwart Indian, carrying a burning torch in
his hand. The eye of the savage caught the
glitter of a string of gold beads on the neck

'The Hicks house w,-is on the west side of the
"middle line," the first house north of the road run-
ning past the Briggs cemetery. It was burned some
years ago. The foundation can still be seen.

'The Watrous cabin stood a little south of the
residence of the late Alonzo B. Comstock.

'Now the residence of William Pierson.

•Now the home of Thomas OInev.

of Mrs. Wilcox, and with a stroke of his scalp-
ing knife he severed the chain, secured the
beads, and hastily followed his party. Mrs.
Wilcox sank fainting to the ground from
terror, but was uninjured save for a slight
cut on her neck.

About three-quarters of a mile further
north was the house of George Scott, stand-
ing on the eminence northeast of the house
where his son, the late James Scott, after-
wards resided.'" On the stream now known
as Gordon Creek, to the southward of Scott's
house, was a saw-mill, and the road, instead
of running as now, due north, turned to the
west a little below this mill, and almost fol-
lowed the bank of the creek to what is now
the Milton town line. This left Scott's house
some little distance from the road. Arrived
at the mill a detachment of fifty men was de-
tailed to surprise Scott. Having been a short
time before alarmed by an attack of wolves
upon some young stock feeding in the en-
closure in front of his house, and hearing his
trusty dog barking violently, he supposed the
wolves were again at their mischief. Seizing
his gun he went to the door in his night
clothes, and on opening it saw the enemy ad-
vancing along the path that led from the
road. It was a bright moonlight night, and
objects were easily distinguished. The party
was commanded by one Frazer, an old ac-
quaintance of Scott's, who before the war re-
sided in Scotch Bush, in the south part of the
town. Seeing Scott armed and knowing that
his life would be forfeited should he resist,
Frazer shouted, "Scott, throw down your gim
or you are a dead man !" Not obeying the
command, three Indians simultaneously threw
their tomahawks at him, striking him on his
head. He fell and they rushed forward to
scalp him, but Lieutenant Frazer and one
Staats Springstead, a German, who had prior
to the war worked for Scott, but now acted as
sergeant to the party, interfered, and with
their drawn swords kept the Indians from
farther violence. The house was plundered
and everything of value carried away. Scott,
however, the enemy supposing him mortally
wounded, was left where he had fallen, welt-
ering in his blood.

James Scott in his description of this fear-

"Now the home of Patrick Dohig.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

fill night, says : "I slept up stairs, and my
mother, fearing the house would be burned,
led me down into the room. I was not much
alarmed until I saw my father, with his face
covered with blood. The Indians were com-
pletely attired in their war dress, and their
faces painted with alternate stripes of red and
black. They collected together whatever
plunder they could find about the house, and
carried off everything in the shape of clothing.
Mistaking some pewter dishes for silver, they
took them off, and the next day they were
found scattered along the road. Among
the articles they took was a wig which my
father brought from Ireland. My uncle Gor-
don afterwards told me that whilst on their
march he saw an Indian with a wig on, the
wrong side foremost, which he knew was my
father's, and concluded he was killed. I, be-
coming frightened, took to my heels and
concealed myself down the hill. The party,
after remaining about half an hour, leaving
the house almost empty, and supposing, as
they declared, that my father would die,
marched away. My mother missing me, and
fearing they had carried me off, called loudly
for me, and coming from my hiding place
where I had lain with nothing on me but my
shirt, I ran to her, to her great joy. My
father had with his hands rubbed the blood
ail over his face, which made him appear to
have been injured worse than he actually was.
He was then between sixty and seventy years
of age, and ultimately recovered."

This party again uniting with the other,
they advanced upon the next house, that of
George Kennedy, which stood where Silas
Parks now lives. Kennedy was taken, and
his house plundered and burned. His wife,
the daughter of John Higby, succeeded in
making her escape. She was far advanced
in pregnancy, and alone, with no covering save
her night clothes, she wandered through the
dark forest until daylight, when weary and
exhausted, having waded through three
streams in her flight, she arrived in the morn-
ing at Samuel IMcCrea's "clearing." Within
two weeks after this she was delivered of her
first-born child. Kennedy's house was the
first one burned by orders, the other buildings
having been fired by the Indians, the British
officers being unable to restrain them. Now
they had advanced so far from the fort, they

were no longer fearful of being overtaken,
and Munro's orders were hereafter "to plun-
der and burn."

Just before reaching Kennedy's, Nero, the
negro slave of Colonel Gordon, attempted to
escape. He suddenly broke from the ranks
and sprang headlong down a ravine. His
head coming in contact with a sapling rendered
him partially unconscious and he was retaken.
At Montreal he was sold, as were the other
slaves captured by Munro. In a few weeks,
Nero and Captain Benedict's negro boy, Dub-
lin, contrived to escape. They came by the
west shore of Lake Champlain to Ticondeioga,
and there swam across the lake and found
their way to Richmond, Massachusetts.
There they remained until the close of the
war, when they returned to Ballston and vol-
untarily surrendered themselves to their
former masters.

Beyond Kennedy's was the house of Jabez
Patchen, where Hiram Wood now lives.**
Patchen was taken, but his son Walter, and
his son-in-law Enos Morehouse, escaped from
the back window and concealed themselves
in the adjoining cornfield. On the east side
of the road, where James Thompson's lower
barn stands, was the dwelling of Josiah Hol-
lister. This was burned and its owner taken
prisoner. Where the late Judge Thompson's
residence stands, an old man, Ebenezer
Sprague, and his two sons, John and Elijah,
lived. Opposite, where George B. Powell
resides,^- dwelt Thomas Kennedy. The
Spragues and Kennedy were taken, and the
house of the former burned. John Kennedy,
living opposite to the present residence of
N^athaniel Mann, was already astir that morn-
ing, preparing to butcher his hogs. He was
about lighting a fire when he was startled by
the flames from Sprague's burning dwelling.
Surmising what it meant he extinguished his
fire and secreted himself and wife in the ad-
joining woods. When the enemy arrived,
finding no one, they passed on, carrying off
but little. On the next corner were the dwel-
lings of Enoch and Stephen Wood. Stephen
was fortunately absent from home, but
Enoch and his hired man, one Fillmore, were
taken, and their houses and a barn containing
eight hundred bushels of wheat were burned.

"Now the home of Lanson Wiswall.
"Now the home of Walter Conley.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

This was the last "clearing" north bu. one,
and that belonged to a tory.

Just after leaving here, Fillmore, who was
guarded by an Irishman, a regular soldier, in
front and a young German behind him, com-
ing to a path that branched off from the road,
suddenly plunged into it and ran for his life.
The German inquired of the Irishman, ".Shall
I shoot?" The Irishman missing his prisoner
replied, "Yes, you d — d fool !" They both
fired at the fugitive ; one ball whizzed through
his ear-lock. Coming to a large hemlock tree

lies, as standing around the flaming ruins of
their once happy homes, their thoughts fol-
lowed their husbands and brothers into their
weary captivity and towards their unknown
fate. The pitiful shrieks of mourning women,
the cries of helpless infancy, mingling with
the smoke and crackling flames of burning
homes, followed the trail of the despoiler as
he retreated into the fastnesses of the North-
ern Wilderness.

Having crossed the Kayaderosseras, Mun-
ro, now^ knowing that the country and garri-

■TIIE (ilyUN, ■ KAYADEROSSERAS RIVER. BALLSTON SPA.

that had fallen across the path he secreted
himself in its branches and thus escaped. This
was told to James Scott by Fillmore himself.
Day was just dawning as they forded the
Kayaderosseras creek, at what is now Milton
Centre. Behind them they could trace their
desolating march by the lurid flames of burn-
ing homesteads that lighted up the sky with
a fearful glare. From Gordon's north, not a
household had been spared from pillage, and
scarcely one head of a family had escaped the
general capture. What a night of fearful
alarm was that ! What terror and anxious
foreboding brooded over those hapless fami-

son at the Fort must have been alarmed, and
that he would be pursued, took measures to
prevent a rescue of the prisoners. The pris-
oners were told ofif, and placed under the
guard of two men each. Their hands were
pinioned and the order given that on the first
signal of pursuit, even the firing of a gun,
each guard should kill his prisoner. For this
inhuman order, justice to the British govern-
ment requires that we should state, Munro, on
his arrival in Montreal was court-martialed
and cashiered. Taken in the dead of night,
the prisoners were without adequate clothing.
The season was severe, and barefooted and

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

but partially dressed, one of them having only
a sheet to cover his nakedness, they entered
upon their mournful march to the northward.
One source of alarm to the captives was that
the Indians would fall back and cause guns
to be fired in order that Munro's barbarous
instructions should be carried out. An appeal
had been made alike to their ferocity and ava-
rice, in the form of a reward for scalps, and
the prisoners had ample reason to fear for
their safety in this particular. Every step of
their weary journey they feared would be
their last.

Arriving at the foot of the Kayaderosseras
Mountains they halted for breakfast. On
their march they had driven before them all
the cattle, sheep, and swine they could find,
and here they slaughtered them. Mr. Scott,
in his memoranda, says: "Several years ago
I saw the bones of the cattle slaughtered
there and they formed quite a sepulchre." Re-
maining here some two hours, they resumed
their march up the mountain by a well-defined
Indian trail, and shortly before sunset halted
for the night about two miles northeast of
Lake Desolation. Here George Kennedy,
who shortly before his capture had cut his
foot with an axe, unable to proceed farther,
and maddened with the pain from his wound-
ed limb, begged Munro to kill him on the spot
rather than compel him to go on. Anxious
not to be delayed, Munro released him and
Paul Pierson and Ebenezer Sprague, two old
men who could not have borne the journey,
and they returned home. Gordon also sent a
message to the settlement advising them of
Munro's murderous orders, and cautioning
them against pursuit.

News of this terrible event having spread
over the settlements, the next day a party
from Freehold (Charlton), among whom
were Squire Patchen, Kenneth Gordon and
Caleb Holmes, came over to the scene of deso-
lation and started in pursuit. They followed
the trail to the mountain, when looking up
they saw this little party coming down the
declivity. Imagining the enemy returning
they concealed themselves on each side of the
path, with orders that on a signal being given
they should all fire on the supposed foe. Just
as the leader of the party was about to give
this preconcerted signal to fire, the three men
approaching were discovered to be their old

friends released from captivity, and they es-
corted them home. Happy for them was it
that they met their rescuers as they did ! For
dogging their steps were a party of Indians,
who learning of their release, had unobserved
fallen back from the main body and followed
them for the purpose of killing them and se-
curing their scalps. They were just on the
point of consummating their murderous pur-
pose as they discovered their rescuers. This
incident was told by the Indians themselves
to the captives while on the march. Captain
Ball with a company of men from the Fort
also went in pursuit, but learning from the
returning captives the danger to the prison-
ers should a rescue be attempted, he also de-
sisted.

For the further particulars of this daring
enterprise, and the fate of its victims, the
reader is referred to the memoranda of Gen-
eral Gordon and the narrative of his daugh-
ter, the late Mrs. Waller.

THE RAID OF 1781.

Still thirsting for further gratification of
his malice on his old friends and neighbors,
Bettys executed another bold incursion into
the settlement in the month of May, 1781. In
this expedition he commanded in person. It
was a bold and open raid, executed in full day,
and marks the reckless daring of the man.
Following the same route from the north as
the expedition of the previous year, with a
body of tories and Indians he passed down
"Paisley street" to the south part of the town.
His object is said to have been the capture ot
Judge Beriah Palmer, but in this he was
thwarted, the latter being fortunately absent
from home. Arriving at the south end of the
Lake the party divided. A detachment under
Waltermeyer, a daring tory partisan from the
German Flats in the Mohawk country, and
whose atrocities were the terror of that region,
went down the eastern shore. The first pris-
oner taken by this party was John Fulmer, a
brother of the young man who afterwards
captured Bettys. He was at work on his
father's farm when captured. Thence they
proceeded north to the residence of the two
Whig brothers, Banta, capturing them and
pillaging their houses. They also took one
Cassidy who lived in this region. From the

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

"outlet" they crossed over to the "middle line"
to join Bettys.

Bettys not finding Palmer turned northward
through the "clearings" lying west of the
"middle line." Here he took Samuel Nash
and Consider Chard. On the road leading
west from the Presbyterian church, near
where Alexander Stewart now resides, dwelt
Uri and Ephraim Tracy. They were taken
and their houses plundered. Here Bettys
turned into the "middle line," and the two
parties uniting, retreated in the face of open
day with their prisoners and booty up that
main highway towards the north. On the

night with the intention of surprising it when
all should have retired. Fortunately they
were discovered, owing to the vigilance of
one Ward, who was guard that night, and
they fled from the neighborhood. Grateful
for his escape from so imminent a peril,
Schuyler settled a pension upon the faithful
Ward from his own purse, which was con-
tinued until his death.

CAREER.

series ot his successful crimes
was about to close, and retributive fate was
following fast upon the track of the hardened

THE END OF BETTYS

The long series of his

SCENES ON BALLSTON LAKE.

way they took Samuel Patchen. Stript of
most of its leading and able-bodied men, the
settlement was utterly unable now to offer any
resistance to the marauders, and fleeing to
their hiding places they left their homes to
the mercy of the enemy. Thus these despera-
does were able to effect their retreat in safety.

ATTEMPTED CAPTURE OF GENERAL SCHUYLER.

The story of Bettys' life would be incom-
plete did we not mention one incident which
for the boldness of its design and the hazard
of its execution eclipses all the others. It was
no less than an attempt to surprise and cap-
ture General Schuyler. This daring plot was
attempted during the campaign of 1777, and
shortly after the tory had been pardoned by
Washington. Learning that Schuyler was
stopping at the mansion of the Patroon Van
Rensselaer, at Albany, Bettys, with a party
of tories secretly surrounded the house at

desperado. About half a mile west of the
hotel in the present village of Jonesville lived
one Fulmer, who as early as 1773 had pur-
chased one hundred and thirty acres of land
thereabout, and settled thereon. He was fa-
ther of John Fulmer, who was captured in the
last tory foray and carried to Canada. Here
Fulmer resided during the Revolution, and
with the aid of his stout son, Jacob Fulmer,
a lad fifteen years of age, and two buxom
daughters, cultivated his land and instilled les-
sons of practical courage and patriotism, by
precept and example, into the hearts of his
children. In March they had a "sap-bush" in
the maple woods about a mile south of where
they lived, and the father and his children
were there engaged in the sweet mysteries of
"sugaring," for it was "war time," and few
could enjoy the luxury of foreign "sweeten-
ing." While father Fulmer and his daugh-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF DALLSTON SPA

ters, Lydia and Elizabeth, tended the kettles,
the brave lad Jacob was sent home to yoke
the cattle and draw some cornstalks from a
stack in the field to the barn, for fodder for
the stock. He had just finished this labor and
stepped into the house when his sisters came
running in great haste from the "sap-bush,"
with a message from his father, to come im-
mediately to him, as a suspicious man with a
pack on his back, armed and carrying snow
shoes, had just passed the bush, and he be-
lieved him to be a tory emissary. Jacob, re-
joiced at such an opportunity for the display
of his courage and enterprise, hastened to the
house of a neighboring Whig, whose two sons,
John and James Corey, were his especial
friends. Here he found the young men and
another crony of his, one Francis Perkins,
"all good and true-hearted fellows." as he
afterwards described them.

Requesting them to join him, which they
did with alacrity, 'the party hastened to the
"sap-bush." Here the father described the
stranger, and pointed out his footsteps in the
snow, which fortunately had fallen to the
depth of two or three inches the previous
night, and thus rendered it easy to track him.
The morning was one of those moist and
foggy ones so usual in early spring in this
latitude, and the trail showed that the man
was at a loss as to his course ; for it turned and
doubled on itself several times. This enabled
his pursuers to gain rapidly upon him. They
followed him about a mile to the southward,
when the trail turned to the house of one
Hawkins, a notorious tory. Satisfied from
this that the man was an enemy they deter-
mined on his capture. Quietly approaching
the house through the soft snow, they heard
those within conversing, and suddenly rushing
upon the doer they bursted it open and found
their man eating, with his rifle resting on his
shoulder, the breech on the floor between his
legs. His first impulse was to raise his rifle
and fire upon his pursuers, but being delayed
by removing the deer-skin cover of his gun-
lock, they fell upon and overpowered him be-
fore he could carry out his fatal purpose. De-
priving him after a severe struggle of his
rifle, two pistols and a knife, they securely
pinioned his arms behind him. and asking him
his name, to which he replied, "Smith," they
conveyed him to Fulmer's house. Arrived

here, imagine their surprise when good
mother Fulmer instantly recognized him, ex-
claiming, "It is old Joe Bettys." Somewhat
disturbed by this sudden recognition, the cap-
tured tory hung his head and stammering, re-
plied, "No, my name is Smith." But it was
of no use. Young Polly Fulmer had also seen
him before at the house of one Van Epps,
down on the "Schenectady Patent," where
she had been at service, and her quick eye de-
tected the dreaded desperado through all his
disguises. As soon as she saw the prisoner
she exclaimed, "This is Joe Bettys."

Astounded and delighted at this intelli-
gence, the enterprising young men marched
him to John Corey's house. Soon after ar-
riving here the prisoner asked permission to
smoke. As he stooped dov/n to light his pipe
at the open fire-place, he was seen to throw
something into it. John Corey immediately
seized it, snatching off a handful of live coals
with it. It was a small piece of sheet lead,
doubled very thin, inside of which was found
a strip of paper containing twenty-four fig-
ures, and also an order on the Mayor of New
York for thirty pounds sterling, payable on
the delivery of the lead and paper enclosed.
They could not decipher the figures, but Bet-
tys, much disconcerted by their discovery of
the paper, ofl:"ered them one hundred guineas
to burn it. This they refused. Bettys ex-
claimed, "that paper will take my life," and
offered large bribes would they but destroy it,
or release him. The recollection of the many
wanton outrages, the cold-blooded murders,
the burned dwellings and cruel captivities that
could be traced to his hands, steeled their
hearts against these appeals to their avarice
or mercy. During that day many of their tory
neighbors came to see Bettvs, and they were
fearful a rescue might be attempted. About
three o'clock in the afternoon, in order to put
the tories on a wrong scent they informed
them thev should take their prisoner to Sche-
nectadv that day, and dispersing the crowd
they prepared for their journey. The four
armed themselves with muskets, and pinion-
ing the captive tory's arms behind him, they
tied another rope to that, passing it over his
shoulders, and by this Fulmer led him. In-
stead of going to Schenectady they struck due
east, and at night reached the house of one
Captain Taylor, a Whig, who lived on the

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Hudson where Mechanicville now is. Here
they stopped for rest, and twenty or thirty of
the neighborhood, delighted at the capture
of the dreaded marauder, vohinteered to
guard him during the night. The next morn-
ing they moved down the river to Half-Moon
Point, where they crossed to the east side.
They had not proceeded far on this side before
they were met by a large party of officers and
armed gentlemen, who hearing of the capture,
and fearful of a rescue, had come out from
Albany to meet the brave men who had done
such a' noble service for their country, and
escort them and their perilous charge into the
city. Forming around them they entered the
capital together. The streets were crowded
with curious and joyful people who had come
out to see the man who had caused so much
misery, as he was led by his gallant captors to
his doom, Bettys remarked to Fulmer, ''The
people gather as though King George was
passing the streets." He was confined in the
jail of the city, and a few days after was tried
and condemned as a spy. The paper in cipher
found on him proved to be a despatch from
the British commander in Canada to Sir
Henry Clinton, then holding New York. On
the first of April, 1782, this bold and accom-
plished villain paid the penalty of his perfidy
and treason, being hung that dav on the Capi-
tol hill.

And here let us record to the shame of the
American Republic the disgraceful fact that
among the bountiful provisions she afterwards
made for the faithful soldiers of her Army of
Independence, these brave and incorruptible
young men never received anything for their
invaluable service in arresting this subtle,
dangerous and terrible marauder. While the
captors of Andre were rewarded by the dis-
tinguished and well merited encomiums of
Congress, and decorated with a special token
of the nation's approval of their noble con-
duct, together with a substantial bounty for
their service; and their names and achieve-
ments entablatured in enduring marble,
handed down in grateful recollection to pos-
terity, these equally heroic young men, the
achievers of a deed of equal importance to
their country and honor to themselves, were
suffered to go down to an old age of poverty,
and to sink into unnoticed and unhonored
graves. Notwithstanding a large reward had

been oflered for the capture of Bettys, they
never received a penny of it, and the only
pecuniary benefit they derived from their no-
ble and disinterested service was the sum of
tivcnly-live dollars, the proceeds of the sale
of the gun and pistols of their prisoner, which
tiiey were compelled to part with to defray
the necessary expenses of their journey to and
from Albany. Shame on the ingratitude of
the Nation! Let the descendants of those
hardy pioneers who first entered the wilder-
ness of Saratoga county, and the children of
those patriots who suffered so cruelly from
the hands of the notorious Bettys see to it that
tardy justice is done to the memory of these
four brave men! Let monumental honors
mark the scene of their heroic exploit.

The capture of Bettys being made known
to the Committee of Safety, it was determined
to Iceep it secret for a time. Knowing the
habits of the man it was suspected that his
presence in this part of the country was not
alone, and that some plot was fomenting
among the tories which would ere long de-
velop the appearance of other emissaries. In
the neighborhood of Major Mitchell dwelt a
widow, Mrs. Van Camp, who had a son in the
British service, and who had long been sus-
pected of concealing spies, and traitorous cor-
respondence. The Major ordered a strict
watch to be kept upon her premises, and
strong suspicions being excited that some one
was in concealment there, he commissioned
Kenneth Gordon and one Sweetman to search
the house. Widow \'an Camp was at first
highly indignant that her neighbors should
suspect her of such questionable conduct, and
resolutely denied having any one secreted
about the house. But just then the ominous
clicking of gun-locks up-stairs gave contra-
diction to the widow's assertion. Gordon gave
the concealed party five minutes in which to
surrender, and swore if they did not in that
time, he would smoke them out. Fearing the
house would be burned over them they gave
themselves up. They turned out to be young
Van Camp and Jonathan Miller, the latter a
noted tory formerly of that vicinity. They
were taken before Mitchell, and with them
Obadiah Aliller. a brother, who lived where
Thomas Smith'^ now does. It was clearly

"Xow the residence of William Tuper.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

shown they came with Bettys from Canada ;
that they had been engaged in most of the
outrages perpetrated by him upon the settle-
ment, and that at the time they were engaged
in planning fresh mischiefs against the patri-
ots. They were sent to Albany and there kept
in confinement until the close of the war.
Thus after the capture of the arch-traitor
Bettys was the terrible gang dispersed and
the settlement relieved from further alarm.

We have detailed these events with minute-
ness, because as yet they seem to have escaped
the eye of the historians of that period, and
in themselves are worthy of preservation as
honorable memorials of the trials and suffer-
ings of our ancestors.

GENERAL GORDON'S MEMORANDUM.

The following is copied from a manuscript
in the handwriting of General James Gordon.
It is endorsed "A journal from the time I was
taken until my arrival at Montreal." It is now
(1858) in the possession of Hon. George G.
Scott :

"On Tuesday, the 17th of October, 1780, about
one o'clock in the morning, I was taken by a party
consisting of about two hundred men, composed of
part of Sir John Johnson's Corps, some Rangers and
Indians, under the command of Capt. Munro. John
Parlow, two of my negro men and one of my
wenches were taken at the same time. Capt. Collins
and his wench, John Davis, Thomas Barnum, Elisha
Benedict and his three sons Caleb, Elias and Feli.x,
also his negro man ; Edward A. Watrous,' Paul

Pierson and his sons John, , , John

Higby and his son Lewis, George Kennedy, Jabez
Patchen, Josiah Hollister, Ebenezer Sprague, Senr..
and his sons John and Elijah, Thomas Kennedy,

Enoch Wood and Palmatier, were also taken

by the party, who on leaving my house came by the
main road out of the settlement. Isaac Stow in at-
tempting his escape was killed. After crossing the
Kayaderosseras, the party halted, and Capt. Munro
desired Capt. John, of the Indians, to choose what
prisoners he thought proper out of those who were
taken, except myself. He accordingly chose Capt.

Benedict and his three sons, Thomas Barnum,

Palmatier, John Higby and his son Lewis, and Elijah
Sprague; also my negro man Nero. John Parlow"

'While confined in Montreal, the prisoners were
compelled to work, and were permitted to choose
their occupation. Mr. Watrous went to work at
cabinet-making, and during his three years' impris-
onment became an expert workman. After his re-
turn to his home at the close of the war, he displayed
his newly acquired skill as a mechanic by making
some fine furniture for his home.

'Parlow was a Canadian boy — a servant of
Gordon.

they did not consider as a prisoner, but much against
their inclination they kept him with them all the
way after the first night.

"Capt. Munro permitted Ebenezer Spragfue, Paul
Pierson and his young son, and George Kennedy to
return home on Wednesday morning, by whom I had
an opportunity of sending a short note to Mrs.
Gordon.

"Nothing material happened until our arrival at
Crown Point on Tuesday, tlie 24th, where we joined
Major Carlton's party — there was however a con-
siderable scarcity of provisions amongst the white
people on the march. On Wednesday morning we
all embarked in boats and proceeded as far as Mill
Bay, about eight miles down the Lake — the prisoners,
except those with the Indians all night confined on
a small island in the bay.

Thursday morning the party embarked in their
boats, and the vessels got under sail to proceed, as
was supposed, for St. Johns, but had gone but a lit-
tle way when they were met by an express with dis-
patches for Major Carlton, on which the whole party
returned to the Bay from whence they set out. Cap-
tain Munro detained me to breakfast with him and
some other officers. Capt. W. Frazier called and
gave me an invitation to his place, with whom I
dined, and on my way thither had a drink of grog
with my old acquaintance (formerly Capt.) now
Major James Rogers. In the afternoon I and the
other prisoners were again sent to the desolate
Island, and towards evening a boat came and took
us all on board the Carlton, where we had been but
a short time until Commodore Chambers came on
board. Capt. Collins and I were then called up to
the cabin, and there joined Capt. Sherwood, Lieut.
Kane and Ensign Stevens, three other prisoners.
The Commodore told us we were to remain in the
cabin and fare the same as the officers belonging to
the vessel, whilst we remained on board, provided
we made no bad use of the indulgence allowed us.
Captain Chipman being permitted to return home on
his parol I had an opportunity of writing to Mrs.
Gordon by him.

"Oct. 27th. The Carlton got under way pretty
early, and having a fine breeze all day, we would
have reached the Isle Aux Noix before dark had
we not got aground about 4 o'clock a little below
Point * * * however, we soon got off and came
to an anchor a few miles below the aforementioned
Island about dark.

"28th. A head wind. However we got within
sight of the Island.

"29th. The captain took all the prisoners in his
yawl and a large batteaux down to St. Johns, where
we were put on board the Royal George all night.

"The next day an officer and party conducted us
to Chambly, where we met with Col. Campbell, Col.
Statea, Capt. Wood and two other officers, who with
a great deal of cordiality urged us to partake of
their small pittance and homely accommodations
for that night.

"The day after being the 31st, in the evening we
reached Montreal, where we were lodged in two
rooms," and as these were none of the largest, we

"This was in the Recollet Convent.

CEXTEWIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

were pretty much thronged, being (together with
those who were there before us) sixty-five souls.

"Nov. I. About I o'clock I\Ir. Robert Ellice,' to
whom I had wrote, came to our place of confine-
ment, accompanied by Captain Jones, the Provost
Martial, who informed me that through his (Mr.
Ellice's) intercession with Brigadier General Mc-
Lean, I was at liberty to go home with him. I re-
mained in his house until Monday, the 6th, when I
transported my small moveables to Monsieur Lan-
son's, where I got a small bed-room, and boarded at
Mr. Levy's. On Tuesday, the 14th of November,

Mr. Ellice procured 's enlargement, who the

same evening began to work at Mr. Levy's at making
up cans of tobacco.

MRS. waller's story.

Mrs. Melinda Waller's account of the
"Burning of Ballstown" on the i6th of Oc-
tober, 1780. Being memoranda of a conver-
sation with that lady by Hon. George G. Scott,
September 10, 1846. Mrs. Waller was a
daughter of General James Gordon :

"The night Ballston was burned was the sixteenth
of October, 1780, Monday. The main body first
halted at Gordon's. Five or six went on to Collins',
and as many more to Stow's. Mrs. Waller says :

"I was then nearly four years old, and my father,
mother and myself .slept in the same bed, in the room
on the south side of the house — the room was the
whole depth of the house with a window in the east
and west end. That night before retiring my motner
had entreated my father to go over to Grandfather
Ball's and stay, and to leave her as she was not
afraid of being injured. A hint had been conveyed
through some friendly tory source that he was in
danger. He refused, saying he would not be so
cowardly as to go off and leave his wife and child.
These were the last words he uttered before the
enemy arrived.

"We were awakened by the breaking of both the
windows in the room, and looking up saw a num-
ber of muskets with bayonets protruding into the
room. My father arose and in his shirt went to the
hall door, and opening it he found the hall filled with
armed men and Indians. As he opened it a large
Indian lifted his tomahawk and as it was descending,
his arm was caught by Munro or Frazer, I forget
which. My father was acquainted with both, and
had befriended them. He was then led out of the
door and put under guard. One Langdon had
charge of him.

"The Indians, male and female, both were along,
commenced pillaging. They took every article of
clothing they could find. My father sent word for
his clothes, but they were already secured. He stood
shivering in the cold, and Langdon took out of his
knapsack a blanket coat and gave it to him. My
mother was obliged to borrow from one of the blacks
some articles of clothing, as she had nothing of her

'Ellice and Gordon had been formerly connected
in trade at Schenectady.

own left. My father seeing Stow lay dead as he
was marched along got permission to send back one
of the servfants under guard, with a message to moth-
er to go immediately to her father's, as he was
afraid some stragglers would return. She had just
returned from the kitchen when she found a straw
bed on fire and a fire-brand thrust into it. She ex-
tinguished the fire. The guard who came back with
the message discovered "Liz," who had just returned
from the cornfield. He exclaimed, 'You huzzy, why
are 3'ou not along with the rest of the company?'
Mother in reply asked him if he was so barbarous
as to take a naked woman along. He told 'Liz' to
find some clothes and put them on in a hurry. 'Liz'
stepped out of the room, but did not return in time
to go along.

"I recollect of being in my father's arms out of
the door in the moonlight, when he stood under the
charge of Langdon. I recollect awakening some
time afterwards by the side of a log heap, in com-
pany with my mother and 'Liz,' where they had hid
themselves.

"When the prisoners were assorted above the
Kayaderosseras, and Major Munro had given his
bloody orders, they marched along in Indian file,
each prisoner placed between two of the enemy.
My father afterwards told me that the second man
in front of him was Captain Collins, then a British
soldier, then my father, and immediately behind him
a strapping Indian, whether it was the same one who
attempted to tomahawk him at the house I am not
certain. My father heard the soldier in front of
him (he was a German somewhat in years) say to
Captain Collins, "I have been through all the wars
in Europe and in a great many battles, but I have
never before heard of such bloody orders as these.
1 can kill in the heat of battle, but cannot be made
to murder in cold blood. You need not fear me,
for I will not obey the orders. But that Indian be-
hind is thirsting for Gordon's blood, and the mo-
ment a gun is fired Gordon is a dead man.' My
father assured me, as may well be imagined, that
he expected the tomahawk in his head every mo-
ment during the whole day.

"At Montreal the prisoners on the first night
were lodged in the Recollet Convent, a very filthy
place. The next morning my father was covered
with vermin. James, Robert and Sanders Ellice,
three brothers, tories, one or more of whom had
formerly lived in Schenectady, and were Indian
traders, and with whom my father was well ac-
quainted, now lived in Montreal. My father the
next morning sent for James Ellice, who bailed him
out of prison for three thousand pounds, and he
stayed at his house afterwards. But Ellice havmg
at his house much company, all hostile to the Ameri-
can cause, my father explaining to Ellice the rea-
son, left his house and boarded with a Jew named
Levy. Soon afterwards, for some cause which he
could never ascertain, he was transferred to Quebec
and confined in the 'Provo.' Here he remained
several months in close confinement. He was fur-
nished with books and writing materials, and wrote
out the translation of a French work, the manuscript
of which I now nave. He was subsequently re-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

moved to the Isle of Orleans, where he found
Judge White, the two Banta's, Enoch Wood, John
Higby, Cassidy, and Cozzo, a Frenchman, and an-
other person whose name I forget. He had occa-
sionally drawn on EUice for money which was
fully paid. He saved the most of it, which (being
gold) was concealed about his person. On the
island they were put upon their parol, but confined
at night. At this they remonstrated, but to no pur-
pose. Believing their parol was not in force during
confinement, they escaped by night by means of a
fisherman's boat, which they took without being
able to compensate the owner.

"Before reaching a settlement in Maine they had
for several days gone without victuals. My father,
famished and weak, gave out and lay down. The
residue went on with an understanding that as soon
as a settlement (which from indications they be-
lieved to be near) should be discovered, three guns
should be fired. Soon after he heard the guns and
was so excited that he sprang up and fell down
three times in succession, in his haste to get there.
The party soon returned and conducted him to
the settlement. With their hatchets they construct-
ed a raft on which they floated down the river
(Kennebec). At one time the raft came in contact
with some obstacle, by means of which my father
was knocked into the river and sank to the bot-
tom, but coming up near the hind end, was assisted
on board. At another time during his starvation
he ate of some berries which nearly occasioned his
death. Some of the time they subsisted on a kind
of muscle. They finally reached Passamaquoddy
Bay, and thence went to Boston. Peace was es-
tablished about the time they arrived home. The
other prisoners after peace were taken to Halifax
and thence to Boston."

THE GONZALEZ TR.AGEDY.

In the spring of 1782, at Gonzalez's settle-
ment—in the present town of Charlton, a deed
of savage butchery was perpetrated that sent
a thrill of horror and fear along this remote
frontier. Joseph Gonzalez, before spoken of,
with his eldest son, Emanuel, and his young-
est, John, a lad about ten years old, and a
hired laborer, were in the field building a
fence. While engaged in the peaceful pursuit
of their labor, they were surprised by a party
of Tories and Indians, who undoubtedly had
been secreted in the neighborhood some time,
watching an opportunity to capture Gonza-
lez, as he was known to be an ardent Whig,
whilst most of the Scotch settlers by whom he
was surrounded, either observed a suspicious
neutrality, or were in secret correspondence
with the enemy. Supposing them to be a
party of friendly Indians known to be in the

neighborhood, the father Gonzalez frankly ex-
tended his hand in welcome. A powerful In-
dian, the leader, seized it with one hand,
grasping it with great strength, while with
his other, in which he carried a tomahawk
concealed behind his back, he raised his mur-
derous weapon and cleaved the old man's skull
in twain.

While this bloody tragedy was enacting,
several of the party grasped the elder son,
with the intention of making him prisoner.
Naturally endowed with great strength, he
succeeded in escaping from them and ran for
the house, which was at some distance, to pro-
cure arms and provide for the safety of the
family. Two fences intervened. As he leaped
the first his pursuers fired, one ball passing
through his hand. At the second fence they
fired again, and with fatal effect, a ball pene-
trating his heart, killing him instantly.
Young John and the hired man were captured
by the enemy. At the house were two other
sons, David and Joseph, who, hearing the
fray, and seeing the brutal murder of their
father and brother, and incapable of making
resistance to such overpowering numbers, fled
with their mother and sister to the woods, and
by lonely paths sought the residence of Cap-
tain Swart, on the Mohawk.

Who can picture the grief and horror of
that hapless family as they flew on the wings
of fear through those secret forest paths, with
the bloody vision of the butchery of the ven-
erable husband and father still red before
them, and the death shriek of his pride and
eldest born yet ringing in their ears; while
their wild imaginings drew horrid views of
the suft'erings of their youngest, the joy of
that lonelv frontier household, as they thought
of his probable fate, an unresisting victim,
upon whom the enemy might then be glutting
his wanton malice and barbarous hate.

Reaching the friendly roof of Swart, and
rehearsing their piteous tale to him, he hastily
summoned his neighbors to pursue and exe-
cute vengeance. Fearful of the surprise of
their own homes that night, they refused to
proceed until morning. Nothing daunted, the
brave Swart, accompanied by David Gonza-
lez, set forth for the scene of the fearful
tragedy, wending their perilous way through
the swamp and gloomy forest of what then
and now is known as "Wolf Hollow." Sus-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY Oh BALLSTON SPA

pecting the Indians were still at the house,
Swart left David some distance behind and
advanced silently and cautiously toward the
"clearing." Hearing a noise and supposing it
to proceed from the enemy, he crawled upon
his hands and knees towards some object lie
saw disturbing some bushes near the house.
Raising his rifle he was about to fire, when
he ascertained it was a horse which somehow
had escaped the notice of the enemy. But
this circumstance shows the indomitable cour-
age of the man. Alone, and in the presence
as he supposed of a powerful force, who had
already shown themselves capable of the most
savage and wanton cruelty, he did not hesitate
to engage theni single-handed in his desperate
desire for revenge. Finding the enemy had
retired, he summoned David, and the two sur-
veyed the premises. They found the bodies
of the father and son scalped and otherwise
mutilated in a most barbarous manner. The
house had been plundered of its valuables,
and the morning light revealed a scene of
ruthless murder and pillage, where once had
existed a peaceful and thrifty home.

As soon as it was light the family, accom-
panied by Swart's tardy militiamen, returned
to their now desolate dwelling, and mourn-
fully burying the mangled remains of their
neighbors and kin, the Captain and his party
started in pursuit of the enemy, to recapture
the youngest boy and hired man. whom it was
evident they had carried with them. For two
weary days the pursuers followed the trail
through the northern wilderness, when a
heavy rain coming on they lost it, and were
compelled to return unsuccessful.

The enemy, after scalping and mutilating
the dead, and plundering the dwelling, se-
curely pinioned John and the hired man to-
gether, and began a hurried march northward.
It was in the early Spring, the commencement
of warm days and cold, frosty nights. Being
surprised while at work they were without
adequate clothing to protect them from the
sudden changes and inclemencies of the sea-
son. At night, with their hands and feet pin-
ioned, they were compelled to lie down in
their shirt-sleeves upon the bare ground, while
their guards lay near, wrapped in comfortable
blankets. In the mornings, after long nights
of freezing torture, they frequently found it
impossible to rise owing to their hair and

scanty clothing being frozen to the damp
earth under them. The entrails and refuse of
the game their captors shot along the way,
was the only food wherewith they sustained
their weary limbs; nor did they taste bread
until they had nearly reached St. Johns, when
a squaw gave them some dirty Indian cake,
w^hich, black and hard as it was, John Gonza-
lez to the day of his death insisted was the
sweetest morsel that ever passed his lips.

After a toilsome march, half famished, they
reached St. Johns; having along their route
been joined by other parties, who had been
out on the same bloody service, and now re-
turned bearing booty, prisoners, and the
scalps of murdered victims. On entering the
fort, young John was compelled to bear aloft
on a pole, the blood-smeared scalps of his
butchered father and brother, the trophies of
this savage foray; and here the British offi-
cials paid the bounty to the Indians for these
bloody evidences of their barbarity, and took
charge of the prisoners.

The sergeant of the guard to whom John
was consigned, in entering his name, ignorant
of its orthography, spelled it "Consalus."
Being young at this time, and after his long
captivity never being united to his family,
John became accustomed to this spelling and
retained it. Here he was separated from the
hired man and never again heard from him.
The boy was held captive until the close of
the war, and most of the time was employed
in manufacturing cartridges to be used against
his countrymen. He afterwards said he took
good care that none of those he made should
do any damage. Being released, he returned
to his former happy home only to find it de-
serted and his relatives scattered, he knew not
whither. He finally settled on the place where
his son, Emanuel Consalus now lives, and con-
tinued to reside there until October 7th, 1823,
when he died.

By such acts as this was the war brought
to the very doors of the pioneer settlers, and
constant apprehension and fear marked their
daily life. They redoubled their precautions
against surprises, and kept a -more careful
watch upon the movements of the disaffected
in their midst. With the close of the war these
barbarous atrocities ceased, the Gonzalez trag-
edy being the last of the treacherous murders
of the Tories and Indians in this region.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

THE TORY, BANTA.

On the approach of Burgoyne's army in
the summer of 'yy, numerous evidences
showed the existence of treasonable practices
and conspiracies in the midst of the Balls-
Town settlement, and prompt and decisive
measures were instantly adopted to ferret out
and bring to punishment the tories. The
torch of the incendiary was oftentimes applied
to the buildings of prominent Whigs in the
dead of night, and the bullet, fired from the
corner of the adjoining wood by the lurking
assassin, frequently whistled by the laboring
patriot as he pursued his toil. To prevent

off large quantities of stock belonging to
Whigs. This movement developed a wide-
spread tory sentiment, and could only have
been effected by a co-operating force of
the enemy concealed in the vicinity.
Alarmed at its boldness and secrecy, pur-
suit was immediately made for the re-
capture of the stock and the punishment
of the conspirators. After following their
trail to the immediate vicinity of Burgoyne's
army, the pursuers returned unsuccessful, but
determined should opportunity offer, to exe-
cute vengeance upon their recreant neighbors.
A constant watch was kept upon the deserted
houses of the refugees, for the purpose of se-

RESIDENCE BUILT BY REV. EDWARD DAVIS. ABOUT 1830, ON SITE OF
HOME OF BERIAH PALMER.

these murderous alarms, and avenge these
bloody wrongs, became the first and dominant
duty of the Committee of Public Safety.

The first extreme measure on the part of
the Committee was in the case of one Banta.
a tory. This man resided on the east shore
of Long Lake and was the only one of a large
family who espoused the cause of the Crown,
his two brothers being ardent and devoted pa-
triots. The oath of allegiance had been re-
peatedly tendered him by the Committee and
as often evaded. He accordingly fell under
suspicion, and his movements were carefully
watched. About the time Burgoyne was at
Fort Ann with his invading army, eluding
the vigilance of his patriot neighbors, Banta
and a number of other tories suddenly disap-
peared from the settlement one night, driving

curing their persons should they again return.
At length, a short time after Burgoyne's
surrender at Saratoga, the guard secreted
near Banta's house, early one morning, while
it was yet dark, was surprised by the appear-
ance of a light in the windows. He repaired
in all haste to the Fort near Mr. Ball's, an-
nouncing the fact, and the members of the
Committee were immediately summoned.
Beriah Palmer, with a squad of men from the
Fort, surrounded the house and demanded ad-
mittance. Banta, for it was he, protruding
his head from a window in the loft of tlie
cabin, at first refused to unbar his door, and
denied his complicity with the acts with which
he was charged, and their right to molest him.
Maddened by the eft'rontery of the man. Judge
Palmer, producing his watch, gave him one

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

minute in which to open his door, denouncing
him at the same time as a traitor and thief.
Seeing that escape was hopeless, Banta gave
them admittance, and he was secured.

In the early dawn of that October morning
this patriot band, surrounding their prisoner,
marched from the scene of the capture to the
residence of Palmer, where the Committee had
been hastily summoned to meet. As they
passed through the settlement, the news of the
capture of this disturber of their security
aroused the yet sleeping occupants of the cab-
ins along the route, and anxious to see merited
justice done for his treason and robbery, the
population followed en masse to the scene of
his trial. Arrived at Palmer's the Committee
formed in a circle around Banta, on the green
by the roadside. Moody and sullen, he refused
to explain his conduct or palliate his offence.
His crimes were notorious. They needed no
proof. He had openly sought the camp of the
enemy, and as openly fought in his ranks at
the bloody battle of Saratoga, where, over-
taken by defeat, he had skulked back to the
neighborhood of those whom he had so
treacherously despoiled and betrayed, to plot,
as they had just reason to fear, new mis-
chief against their security, and to again abet
their enemies should occasion offer. Then
too, he had robbed them of their hard-earned
property, and with his ill-gotten booty had
made large gains by selling it for British gold.
As these things, and the bloody memory of

the sad fate of Jennie McCrea forced them-
selves upon the minds of the anxious crowd
surrounding the prisoner, loud murmurs of
contempt and hatred arose, in which he could
only read his doom.

At last Judge Palmer put the question that
was to settle his fate : "What punishment
shall the prisoner suffer ?" One b}' one each
member of the Committee answered his turn,
as the question went slowly around that fatal
circle, "Death ;" and the unflinching chairman
confirmed their dread sentence by ordering
his immediate execution. Forthwith long
rails were taken from the adjacent fence by
stalwart arms and lashed together, the doomed
man pinioned, the rope adjusted; and as the
morning sun rose over the eastern hills, dis-
pelling the autumn mists that overhung the
scene, the tory Banta swung a lifeless clod on
this improvised gibbet. The scene of this ex-
ecution is said to have been the roadside near
the turn of the highway where the Rev. Ed-
ward Davis now lives ;' the time October,
1777, shortly after the battle of Saratoga.

There has been some doubt thrown on this
incident, and we can in reply only give our
authority. The account as given to us came
from Judiah Ellsworth, who received it from
Seth C. Baldwin, sheriff of the county from
1 80 1 to 1804, and its second clerk, holding
that ofifice from 1804 to 1813.

'The residence in late years of S. Wakeman Buel.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Town of Milton

By John C- Booth

AT the session of the Legislature in
1792 three new towns were or-
ganized out of the large township
of Balls-Town. All the territory
lying north of the present north line of that
township was erected into a town named
•'Milton."

This name, so common as a town-
ship cognomen, and in most instances adopt-
ed in honor of the great bard of England,
who sang "of man's fall," in this case had
a more indigenous and matter-of-fact origin.
Shortly after the settlement of Balls-Town,
Gen. Gordon, who was one of the first set-
tlers, and a great speculator in mill privi-
leges, had erected a mill on the Kayaderos-
seras Creek, at Milton Centre, where the
present mill stands, and also one on the same
stream, afterward known as Merrick's Mills,
at what is now Factory Village. A consid-
erable settlement was early made in the
neighborhood of these mills, and to distin-
guish it from Mr. Ball's community near
Long Lake, the early inhabitants were wont
to call it Mill-town, which, at the official
christening of the town was contracted into
the more euphonious and classical appella-
tion— "Milton."

That part of old Balls-Town known as
Milton was first settled about 1772-73, along
the continuation of the "middle line" road.
David. Wood' is said to have been the first
settler, locating near what is now known as
Milton Hill. George Kennedy, one of the
three Kennedy brothers previously men-
tioned, located on the farm next above
George Scott. Where Hiram Wood now
lives one Jabez Patchin and his son-in-law,
Enos Morehouse, resided.- Near by, to the
north, a family of Hollisters located ; and
where the late Judge Thompson resided was

cleared and settled by Ebenezer Spragne.
Opposite Nathaniel Mann's present resi-
dence John Kennedy set up his household
gods. Enoch and Stephen Wood located on
the land near where the Presbyterian Church
afterwards stood, which has since been de-

Mtddle Line Road, Milton.

molished. Joseph Shearer came about 1775.
and located near West Milton. Beyond this,
northward, at the time of the war, there was
but one more clearing,* but we have been un-
able to obtain the name of the adventurous
individual who had thus advanced to the out-

'David Wood was the great-grandfather of David
L. Wood, now a resident of Ballston Spa.
'Now the residence of Lanson B. Wiswall.

'Probably the "clearing" of John Bentley, who
came here as early as 1775, and now known as the
Bentley homestead, near the Stone church.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTOS SPA

skirts of civilization. At this time, also, Gen.
Gordon had erected a flouring mill on the
Kayaderosseras at what is now Factory Vil-
lage, which was then operated by one Mer-
rick, and around it two or three families had
gathered, the locality being known as "Mer-
rick's Mills." This, with the few Scotch
families south of what is now known as
"Speir's Corners,"^ on "Paisley Street," was
the extent of the settlement in i^Iilton at rhc
time of the Revolution.

since developed. Footpaths only marked the
way from the settlements on the "middle line"
and at Merrick's Mills, through the dense for-
ests of pine and hemlock that surrounded the
springs ; while the rude road which Sir Wil-
liam Johnson "blazed" from Long Lalce,
northward, was the only evidence of the
fomier presence of civilized man in these
parts.

Mr. Booth's history of Milton closes at this
point.

ALONG THE KAYADEROSSERAS, MILTON.

No one had yet been bold enough to estab-
lish his habitation within the limits of the
present village of Ballston Spa, nor its imme-
diate vicinity. The first immigrants to this
section were essentially an agricultural people,
and the land adjacent to the Springs presented
little to entice the farmer to locate there. The
Kayaderosseras bottom, where the village now
stands, was then a dreary hemlock swamp, and
to the new settler offered no hope of the future
value of the locality which the Springs and
the valuable water power of that stream has

•West Milton.

Soon after the close of the Revolution, came
Sanbun Ford from Sand Lake and settled at
Speir's Corners. He had served throughout
the seven years of the war, being present at
Bunker Hill, and also at the surrender of Lord
Cornwallis. He kept a public house for many
years on the "middle line," near Judge Thomp-
son's. His sons were John S., (who lived to
an advanced age, his home being in Ballston
Spa, and who was familiarly known as "Bony"
Ford), Simeon, William and Amaziah. One
of his daughters was the mother of John B.
McLean, for many years deputy County Clerk.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

N. B. Sylvester, in his history of Saratoga
County, says: "Sanbnn Ford once captured a
'cow-boy,' compelling his enemy to put his
finger into the barrel of a loaded pistol and fol-
low him into camp. In after-years he de-
lighted to recall the scenes of the Revolution,
and was wont on each returning Fourth of
July to gather the old soldiers around him to
dinner. In his last years he was an active re-
ligious worker. He then called the Bible his
side-arms, and carried the book in a velvet
bag. At his request there was buried with
him the flag, the Bible, and his commission as
an officer of the Revolutionary army."

Justus Jennings, another Revolutionary sol-
dier, came at this time. His brother, Edmund,
had settled here in 1775, and Justus settled
about a mile north, both being near what is
known as Hop City.

Other settlers of this period were Elisha
Powell, who located on the "middle line," at
Milton Hill : Abel Whalen, who came from
Sand Lake, and settled near Robert Speir's,
the place in early days being known as Wha-
len's Corners, and later as Clute's Corners.
He had two sons, Abel and Ezekiel, the latter
being a well-known merchant for many years.
Joel Mann, Jonathan Morey, Henry Fillmore,
Silas Adams, William Johnson, Benjamin
Grenell, Joel Keeler and Henry Frink were
also among the early settlers.

John Lee came from Danbury, Connecticut,
in 1793, with his wife and six children, Elias,
Joel, William, Noah, Abigail and Ruth. He
settled west of Rock City Falls, in the Grenell
neighborhood. Elias and Joel purchased
farms in Ballston, just south of the town line,
and having married, removed to their new
purchase. Joel Lee afterward settled in the
village of Ballston Spa, and was for nearly
fifty years a prominent merchant, and post-
master for forty years. Elias Lee was the
first pastor of the Baptist church in Ballston
Spa.

Many of the earliest settlers of Milton are
mentioned in the history of the town of Ball-
ston.

In the Museum in the High School building
may be seen an old tax roll of the town of Mil-
ton for the year i8og. Joel Lee and Isaac
Rowland were the assessors. The roll is in
the handwriting of Joel Lee, and contains
three hundred and fifty-three names.

Among the leading men of the town during
the last fifty years, who resided outside the
village, the author recalls Robert Speir and
John A. Clute, general merchants at Speir's
Corners, and Clute's Corners, the two hamlets
having the post-office name of West Milton;
Hermon Thomas, William Wilson, Hiram
Wood, Jonathan Whiting, Chauncey Kilmer,
Isaac Frink, George W. Taylor, Adam Cip-
perly, William N. Seeley, Abram Wood,
Henry Wiswall, Nathaniel Mann, Hiram W.
Wood, Manly James, Frederick Streever, Ja-
cob Adams, Rensselaer Ketciiiun, Benjamin
Hutchins, David Frisbie, Dr. Truman E.
Parkman, Harlow Van Ostrand, William T.
Arnold, Paul Settle, A. G. Waring and John
A. Wakeman.

Early settlers who occupied official positions
in the town were: Elisha Powell, Supervisor
in 1795-6, 1805-6-7-8, and Member of Assem-
bly in 1818-20; Joel Keeler, Supervisor for
seven years, and Member of Assembly in 1812
and again in 1819; John Thompson, first
Judge of Common Pleas in 1818; Ezekiel
Whalen, Town Clerk from 1799 to 1808.
Others are mentioned in the history of Balls-
ton Spa.

VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.

To the village of Ballston Spa the greater
part of this history is devoted. The village
lies in the towns of Milton and Ballston, al-
most the entire business section being in Mil-
ton, as well as about two-thirds of the popu-
lation.

Bloodville is practically a part of Ballston
Spa, although it is not within the corporate
limits. It derives its name from Isaiah Blood,
who built his large axe and scythe works on
the Kayaderosseras at this point, and the ham-
let was inhabited almost exclusively by the
workmen in these shops. Deserving of a place
in history is the fact that very many, if not by
far the largest number of the residences were
built with m.oney furnished his workmen by
Mr. Blood. He encouraged his men to own
their homes, and would deed the land and
build such houses as might be desired, and al-
low the men to pay him as they could out of
their wages, charging a low rate of interest,
and in many instances donating the interest, in
case of illness or other untoward circum-
stances. Mr. Blood was interested in the wel-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

fare of his employees, and a "strike" was
never known for tlie nearly half century of
his conduct of the business.

Factory Village is a half mile north of
Bloodville, and in early days was known as
Merrick's Mills. Some years ago there were
three paper mills at this place; the Chauncey
H. Cook mill, later operated by Jones & Set-
tle ; the mill of John McLean, and the mill of
Bennett & Beecher. This mill and the Cook
mill were destroyed by fire. The McLean

mill, saw-mill, stores, hotel, and a Mission
Chapel of Christ Church were located here.
The tannery was destroyed by fire, and the
business removed to Ballston Spa. A little
later the hotel was burned; the grist-mill and
saw-mill were abandoned, and the chapel and
two or three houses are all that is left of the
busy little settlement. It was at this point that
General James Gordon built one of his grist-
mills, soon after the Revolution.

West Milton, five miles from Ballston

"THE MAPLES," BLOODVILLE. HOME OF ISAIAH BLOOD NOW THE
HOME OP HIS GRAND-SON, WM. H. KNICKERBACKER.

mill is now owned and operated by the Na-
tional Paper Box Manufacturing Company,
Mr. Charles P. Rooney, manager. The Pres-
byterian Society of Ballston Spa have a chapel
here, in which a Sunday School is maintained,
with occasional preaching services. The
chapel was a gift from John McLean. There
is also a public school.

Ck.\neville is a little farther up the stream,
and took its name from Lindley Murray
Crane, who lived here for many years, and
was proprietor of the paper mill now known
as the Eagle Mill.

MiLTON Centre is at the point where the
Middle Line road crosses the Kayaderosseras.
Twenty-five years ago this was a prosperous
hamlet. A post-office, a large tannery, a grist-

Spa, consists of two small hamlets on either
side of the Kayaderosseras, locally known as
Spier's Corners and Clute's Corners. Fifty
years ago this was a thriving village, with its
hotels; the Presbyterian Church; the large
general stores of Robert Speir and John A.
Clute; the district school; the Ladies' Semi-
nary and Day School of Mrs. Young; saw
and grist-mills ; carriage and harness shops ;
shoe shops and tailoring establishments, and
a population of about three hundred. The
Pioneer paper mill, just beyond the village
limits was operated by Coe S. Buchanan, and
later by Elisha Comstock. The paper mill is
still in existence, but most of the other busi-
ness has gradually disappeared. The Pres-
byterian Church, the public school, the hotel.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

a saw-mill and one or two small stores remain,
the present population being about two hun-
dred.

Rock City Falls, two miles farther up the
valley, is a pretty village, with a population of
about four hundred. It has several stores,
two hotels, a public school, two churches—
the Methodist and Catholic, and three paper-
mills. The first paper-mill was built in 1840
by Rowland & Kilmer. It stood on the site in
later years occupied by the Excelsior Mill of

coming a thriving village. The store of Elisha
Powell, at one time selling more goods than
any other country store in the county, was lo-
cated here. There were two churches, the
Presbyterian, and St. James' Episcopal, and a
district school. In later years the churches
united with those in Ballston Spa, Powell's
store was closed, and other business enter-
prises were attracted to the county seat and
the villages above. George B. Powell, a son
of Elisha Powell, was Sheriff of the coutity.

A TROUT BROOK, MILTON.

George West, who also built the Empire Mill.
The mill known as the "Big Falls Mill," was
for many years owned by the late Chauncey
Kilmer, and was the second mill in the United
States to manufacture paper from straw. The
entire product of this mill was sold to the New
York Sun until the mill was sold by Mr. Kil-
mer to New York parties some years ago.
Since then the mill has been used for the
manufacturing of various kinds of paper, and
has recently begim the manufacture of straw
board. The two mills known as the West
mills, are now owned and operated by the E.
M. Brown Paper Company.

Milton Hill, for twenty-five years suc-
ceeding the Revolution, gave promise of be-

Rowland's Mills, a small hamlet in the
northeastern part of the town, was named
from the saw and grist-mills of H. R. Row-
land, situated on one of the branches of -he
Kayaderosseras. There are also quite exten-
sive quarries of blue stone at this place.

CHURCHES.

St. James (Episcopal) was organized by
Rev. Ammi Rogers in 1796. The first vestry
was James Henderson, David Roberts, war-
dens ; Abel Whalen, William Bolt, Joel Mann,
Hugh McGinness, William Johnston, Henry
Whitlock, John Ashton, Thomas Shepherd,
vestrymen. In 1845 services of the parish
were discontinued, and the members united
with Christ Church at Ballston Spa.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

"The Presbyterian Society of Milton, in tlic
town of Ballston," was organized June 2,
1791. The first trustees were William Wil-
liamson, Ebenezer Couch, Benajah Smith, Si-
las Adams, Stephen Wood and Esquire
Patchin. The meeting-house was at Milton
Hill. The society was dissolved about 1840,
the members uniting with the churches at
West Milton and Ballston Spa.

The Baptist Society, known as "The Stone
Church," was organized in 1793. A lot for
a church site was bought in 1801, and was

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Rock
City Falls was instituted in 1844. The first
trustees were Seth Whalen, Charles R. Lewis,
Joshua Swan, James Mcintosh and Harlow
Kilmer. The meeting-house was erected in
1844. This house of worship was the succes-
sor of an earlier one erected at Swan's Cor-
ners in 181 1.

"The Church of St. Paul, of Rock City
Falls," Catholic, was instituted in 1874. The
church edifice is in the upper part of the vil-
lage, and was dedicated by Bishop McNerney

EASTERN NEW YORK RAILROAD, MILTON.

deeded to John Bentley, Silas Adams, Daniel
Green; Salmon Child and Reuben Weed. The
first meeting-house was built of wood the same
year. In 1826 the present substantial stone
building, one of the landmarks of the town,
was erected on the same site. Services have
been maintained to the present time, the pas-
tor now, and for many years past, being the
Rev. Asher Cook.

The Presbyterian Church at West Milton
was established by the Scotch emigrants who
came to Milton and Ballston during or soon
after the Revolution, and settled on what was
known as Paisley street. The first meeting-
house was located a mile and a half west of
Speir's Corners. It was abandoned in 1840,
and the present edifice was erected at Speir's
Corners. The first elders were John Wilson,
Alexander Glen, John Burns, Joseph Shearer
and Alexander Donnan. The church has a
fine large parsonage, and adjoining the church
lot on the west is the village cemetery.

in 1877, Father Havermans preaching the
sermon.

Spafford's Gazetteer of New York State,
published in 1813, says: "Milton has eight
grain-mills, fourteen saw-mills, four fulling
mills, four carding machines, an extensive
woolen factory, and two forges for making
bar iron."

Milton is one of the principal manufactur-
ing towns of the county. The Eastern New
York Railroad, originally known as the "Balls-
ton Terminal Railroad," an electric road,
runs from Ballston Spa to Middle Grove, fol-
lowing the valley of the Kayaderosseras. The
road handles all the freight of mills along the
stream, running its cars to the doors of each
mill. The road traverses a very beautiful re-
gion.

Additional facts relating to Milton, its
prominent men and its numerous manufactur-
ing industries, are given in the history of the
village of Ballston Spa.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Village of Ballston Spa

THE village of Ballston Spa is the
County Seat of Saratoga County,
and was incorporated by an
Act of the Legislature March 21,
1807. The village lies in the towns of Ball-
ston and Milton, at the "great bend" of the
Kayaderosseras river, in the "valley of the
crooked stream." Its name is derived from
Rev. Eliphalet Ball, one of the earliest set-
tlers in the town of Ballston, with the addi-
tion of "Spa" from a town in Belgium
which was a famous watering place as early
as the seventeenth century. High street is
the dividing line between the towns of Mil-
ton and Ballston, the town line running from
east to west, about where the curbing on the
south side of the street stands.

THE FIRST SETTLER.

Curious as it may seem, no mention has
beai made of the first white man who settled
within the present limits of the village, in
any of the histories of this locality which
have heretofore been published. Among those
who came to settle in Balls-Town at the close
of the Revolution, was Jonathan Peckham,
from Rhode Island. He was the grand-
father of James F. Peckham, one of Ballston's
oldest residents,- who lives at the comer of
Church avenue and McMaster street. Jon-
athan Peckham purchased a tract of land in
1783, made a "clearing," and built his log
cabin home the same year, where the house
of Hon. H. J. Donaldson now stands, on
Pleasant street. In 1787 Mr. Peckham built
the small frame house now occupied by the
Misses O'Hare, on Church avenue, and re-
moved from his cabin to this more preten-
tious abode. This house is the oldest build-
ing in the village, and its builder was the
first inhabitant of Ballston Spa. The "log
cabin" of Mr. Peckham was a long distance
from the spring, with the forest and an
almost impassable swamp between.

THE SPRING.

From the time of the visit of Sir William
Johnson in 1767, parties occasionally visited
the spring. There is no record, however, of
any settler in the immediate vicinity until
nearly twenty years after the discovery of
the spring by Beriah Palmer in 1770. No
one built near the spring any structure larger
than a temporary log hut for a summer
camping place. A rude trough was dug out
of a log near by, in which the spring water

The Peckham House, 1797.

was used for bathing purposes ; and a gourd
shell, hung on a tree, was the only conven-
ience for drinking.

The discovery of this mineral spring soon
became noised abroad, but it was not until
1 787 that a settlement began to grow up about
the Spring. During this period of twenty
years the spring was much frequented by
traveling parties, and the early settlers of
the vicinity. It was in the dense forest, and
became a favorite resort for camping parties,
not only for the benefit to be derived from
the mineral water, but for the excellent hunt-
ing and fishing which abounded in all this
region.

The late Theodore Dwight, in his book,

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

"Summer Tours, or Notes of a Traveller,"
gives an account of a visit to Ballston Spa, at
which time he met Col. John Ball, son of Rev.
Eliphalet Ball, from whom he received some
interesting remininscences. Said Col. Ball :

"At the time of my father's first coming to Balls-
ton, the low grounds near the Springs were cov-
ered with a forest, and the old Spring — the only
one then known — was overflowed by the brook
when it was much swollen by the rain. The deer
used to come and lick at the Spring, and I have
been there in my youth to ambush and shoot them.
It was not uncommon then, to meet deer when
looking for stray cattle; and the Indians often
came from Oneida to hunt, in bodies of two or
three hundred. No Indians, however, had their
residence in this vicinity. My father, at an inter-
view with Sir William Johnson, heard from him
the particulars of the wound which he received
at the battle of Lake Georse in 1755, which was
in the front part of the thigh, and remained open
until he died. I dined with him in a large marquee
pitched on the level border of Ballston Lake. Near
the same place was the log-cabin of the McDon-
alds, who had settled there about seven years be-
fore my father's arrival."

Mr. Dwight also gives an account of a
visit of his mother to the springs at Saratoga
and Ballston in 1789. She graphically de-
scribed to her son the primitive conditions
then existing. There were but three poor log
houses at Saratoga, which afiforded little more
than a shelter. Mrs. Dwight says :

"We arrived on Saturday and left there on Mon-
daj' for Ball's Town which we reached after a
short ride. But there the accommodations for
visitors were still less inviting. The springs, of
which there were several, were entirely unprotected,
on the borders of a woody swamp and near a
brook in which we saw bubbles rising in several
places, which indicated other springs. There was
a small house into which some of the water was
conducted for bathing, but, as there was nothing
like comfort to be foimd, we proceeded homeward,
after spending a short time at the place."

Mr. Booth has written most entertainingly
of the early days in Ballston's history, and
has very graphically described the life at the
Springs in the olden time. His story fol-
lows:

VILLAGE OF BALLSTON SPA.

by john chester booth.
America's first watering place.

Going back some years before the War of
the Revolution, to a time when, as yet, tlie
sound of the axe liad not been heard north
of good Dominie Ball's "clearing," let us note
the history of Ballston Spa, and the settlement
of that "village. The principal route of com-

munication between Albany and the north in
those early times, was along the valley of the
Hudson ; consequently visitors to the Springs
— and there were many even before the war
— took that way to reach their destination.
As far as the old settlement of Saratoga,
(Schuylerville), they enjoyed the advantages
of a traveled road and settled "clearings," and
arriving at the mouth of Fish Creek, a well-
defined Indian trail along its banks led them
to the Lake, and thence to the wonderful
spring a few miles to the westward. Or,
freighting a light canoe, an uninterrupted
water communication bore them to within a
few miles of their destination. This well-
known and comparatively easy means of ac-
cess to the localities known under the general
designation of "The Springs," left the Balls-
Town settlers undisturbed and indifferent in
regard to the existence and the value of the
peculiar waters in their neighborhood ; and in-
deed, for some years after Sir William John-
son's discovery, the "High Rock" fountain
seems to have been the only one noticed by
visitors.

the spring.

In the year 1771, Beriah Palmer, engaged
with a field party in sub-dividing the great
lots in this allotment of the Kayaderosseras
Patent, arrived on the hill now known as
"High street," in the village of Ballston Spa.
The party being thirsty, and espying the creek
— now known as Gordon creek — as it flowed
bright and sparkling out of the dark forest
of hemlock and pines that then covered the
adjacent bottom lands and hillsides, into the
sunlight of the Indian "clearing," hurried
down to its banks to drink. While strolling
along its margin they came upon the ancient
Indian spring^ formerly visited by Sir Wil-
liam Johnson. Palmer made the first rude
attempt to secure the spring from the inroad
of the fresh water of the adjoining creek, by
building around it, after removing the loose
sand and forest debris that had gathered in its

'This was the spring afterward known as the
"Public Well," and as the "Iron-railing Spring." It
was situated at the west end of Front street, at the
foot of the hill where Front intersects Charlton
street, and about in the centre of Front street as
now located and just west of the crosswalk. Front
street originally turned to the northward at the rail-
road bridge, the roadway being north of the present
Spring.

£4

CENTENNIAL filSTQRy OF BALLSTON SPA

basin, a rough enclosure of logs, cementing
the chinks with clay found near bv.=

This was in the summer. During the fall
of that year the locality was again visited.
On the south-western shore of Saratoga
Lake, in the year 1770, a man named Bous-
man had settled. The ne.xt year following he
had in his employ, assisting him in clearing
up his forest home, a half-breed Tuscarora,
named Harry. Weary with the toilsome
routine and laborious monotony of civilized

mers, took their guns and came out to the
spring, which they found as Palmer left it.

It is said of the spring that the inhabitants
were induced to trust to its peculiar virtues
by the example of the deer of the forest,
who had resorted to it in such numbers as to
form beaten paths from every direction to
the spot.

VISITORS ATTRACTED.

From the time of Palmer's visit mav be

BALLSTON SPA IN 1815.

the M^cVas'teTho^uJl'^^^-o'Th" V^/t'^^s^Vfon't^t'eft" al'l^the^^llkfL^^"?! ','l,°,7?l"^' '^P^h %^^ -mediately bevond it
burned in 182:1, Mansion House, just behind the pop'ar trees st/u stInlfnV'knoin °"'.f,- ^^2" ^' ?'°'"«P,' "• C'^^k's fnn, all
the extreme left are barns, with the gable end ofthe factlrv'bevond ^' ^ "'^ American." The buildings at

life, and longing for the natural and untram-
meled freedom of his ancestors, this descend-
ant of the aborigines would frequently start
off alone to the forest, and for weeks together
absent himself from the haunts of the white
man. Returning one day from one of these
lonely and uncivilized excursions, he informed
his employer that he had found a spring sim-
ilar to the Saratoga water at the northward.
The next day the Indian and young William
Bousman, then a lad of some thirteen sum-

'One of this party w;is Epenetiis White, Sr. He
became a pioneer resident of the town of Ballston.
Beriah Palmer also made his home in the new coun-
try.

dated the cause which induced the settlement
of Ballston Spa. He was a man of social
prominence and extensive acquaintance; and
his connection as agent with the wealthy pro-
prietors of this part of the Patent, served to
spread a more exact knowledge of these me-
dkinal waters in the cities of Albany and New
York. Visitors now began to be attracted
thither, stopping at the houses of the settlers
three or four miles south of the springs; or,
furnished with camp equipage, setting up
their temporary abodes in the sylvan shades
around the fountain. Such was the custom
until 1787; and indeed after that, so limited

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

were the accommodations, necessity compelled
its continuance.

■ THE HOTELS.

In 1787 the grandfather and father of the
Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, the distinguished
statesman, now (1858) United States Sena-
tor from Illinois, made the first bold move
towards turning these waters into a source of
profit. Heretofore the visitors had literally
been "squatter sovereigns" of the locality,—
leading a life of sylvan ease and independ-
ence, untrammeled by the forms of society, or
the rights of proprietors. Now their wild-
wood freedom was to be invaded by a regular
owner of the soil, and their careless camp
life mocked by an actual hotel with regular
fare and charges.

The Douglases were from Stephentown.
then in old Albany, now in Rensselaer county.
They purchased a tract of one hundred acres
on the west side of the creek, opposite the
spring, and built a log house near the site of
the present "Institute."^ Here they boldly
flung their sign to the breeze, and under their
auspices the business of summer entertain-
ment of visitors at the "Springs" was launched
on "the full tide of successful experiment."
Benajah Douglas, for such was the grandsire's
name, did not startle the wilderness by any
unwonted display. His accommodations were
of the most primitive character — only such as
the rudest frontier log cabin could offer.
There were but two rooms to his domicile,
one of which was devoted to domestic mys-
teries, while the other was generously sur-
rendered to the use and enjoyment of the
visitors to this famed "watering place."
Think of it ! ye who revel amid the gorgeous
splendors and feast upon the tempting lux-
uries of the modern Saratoga! Such was
the beginning of the mystery of keeping a
"summer resort!" But then it was a simple
forest spring, and not a Vanity Fair.

Prosperity blessed this undertaking, and
the next year the enterprising Benajah ex-
tended his business, and enlarged his shelter-
ing roof. Finding that many visitors pre-
ferred to act as their own commissaries rather
than trust to his larder, and determined to
turn an honest penny even by their fastidious-
ness, he built an addition to his hotel consist-

'The house now known as "Brookside."

ing of a framed building, having four rooms,
which he rented to those who brought
their own provisions. This certainly was a
bold move in the right direction, and de-
served and received substantial success. By
this far-sighted movement, competitors were
kept at a distance, and its proprietors for the
next four years remained masters of the sit-
uation. True, one Micajah Benedict, envious
of their success, yet not daring to dispute the
field by an open fight on the coveted ground,
did, during the time, build a small framed
house about a mile south of the spring, on the
land which now forms the point made by the
junction of the two main south roads leading
from the village.* This point at one time
was a favorite tarrying place with summer
visitors, and for years this house and another
opposite, received a large share of public pat-
ronage.

Such covert attempts to entice away his
custom, only aroused the Douglas to stronger
efiforts to maintain his supremacy ; and accord-
ingly he erected a large house in 1792, forty
feet by thirty, without including a kitchen,
which brought up the rear in a masterly
and most substantial manner. This building
yet stands, forming a part of the "Institute. '
But the reign of this primitive host was
soon to be contested by one who possessed am-
ple means and requisite energy to successfully
conduct the enterprise. Nicholas Low, of New
York, son of Isaac Low, having succeeded in
recovering a large portion of the lands form-
erly confiscated on account of his father's loyal
proclivities, now set himself to redeem them
from their wild and natural state. The year
that Douglas built his grand hotel. Low erect-
ed another of the same dimensions close to
the "Public Well," on the east. This was the
house burned down a few years ago, the ruins
of which mark the site, and known, from the
family which latterly possessed it as the "Mc-
Master House."^

THE VILL.^GE.

Low was determined to found a town, and
induced many people to purchase of him near
the Spring. Among the residents at this time
were the Tryon brothers, John, Wright and

'Very generally known as "the V corners."
'The McMaster House stood at the southwest
corner of Front and Court streets.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Salmon. John Tryon owned the properly on
the west of Ballston street, from High street
to the Garrett road. Wright Tryon built a
dwelling house on the hill, where Norman
Becker now lives, opposite the cemetery."
On the corner of what are now High street
and Ballston street, near the residence of
Lebbeus Booth, Esq., was a small log tavern
built by Salmon Tryon in 1787, to which he
added in 1790 a small framed house, consist-
ing of two rooms for boarders, and a store —

York, Hartford, Philadelphia, and even from
the far off sunny South ; many visitors from
Cuba and other West India Islands that year
inaugurating the annual summer "hegira" to
the North, which, formerly at Ballston and
now at Saratoga constitutes such a marked
feature of every season. Shortly after this
the house of Mr. Merrill passed into the
hands of two brothers, David and James Mc-
Master, who built large additions and enjoyed
an extensive and profitable patronage.

HOTEL BUILT BY BENAJAH DOUGLAS IN 1792 L\TER THE
AND NOW CALLED "BROOKSIDE "

ALDRIDGE HOUSE,''

the first in the place — for the retail of dry
goods and groceries, and on Front street
about where the railroad embankment stands,
two or three log cabins decorated the scene.

James Merrill, a name familiar to all the
old residents of the village, was the first land-
lord of Low's new hotel, and in 1794 built a
small framed house to the south of it, lor tlie
purpose of renting it to families who preferred
to provision themselves. That season, owing
to the interest of Mr. Low in extending the
fame of the water, the houses in the neighbor-
hood were crowded with guests from. New

'The Becker house stood just nortli of Camp-
bell's marble works, and was taken down in April
of this year.

THE ALDRIDGE HOUSE.

The Douglases now retired from the field,
yielding the contest to other and more suc-
cessful rivals. This house was purchased by
Joseph Westcot, father of Reuben Westcot,
in 1795, and upon his death it passed into the
hands of Joshua B. Aldridge, who later mar-
ried the widow of Mr. Westcot. Mr. Aldridge
greatly enlarged and beautified the house and
surrounding grounds, and made it famous
as one of the most delightful summer resorts
in the world.

Ah ! many is the venerable grandsire and
withered and palsied grand-dame scattered
over the land, who in the hidden chambers of

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

memory still preserves, fresh and green, the
sweet experiences of those youthful summers
at Aldridge's ; the long rambles through the
dark and silent pines, along walks where the
glaring eye of day could not discover, or the
prudish moon betray the sweet exchange of
amorous tokens, or the stolen delights of co-
quettish mysteries. And then the dear secrets
of those forbidden interviews in the pavilion
on the hill, with the subdued music and
pounds of merriment stealing up from the
ball-room of the house below, as with clasped
hands troth was plighted and sealed with
burning kisses, with none to witness save the
rising moon, or the tall poplars that then and
now throw their lengthy shadows far across
the deep glen beyond. Aye, many is tJie
heart, now schooled by the weary experiences
and trials of a long life into staid and virtuous
submission, that ever and anon is startled
from its propriety by these ghosts of its young
loves flitting out of the chambers of the past.
Cherish them kindly and fear not, for there
are none to babble now. Years of rising
moons have waxed and waned since that dear
old pavilion ceased to crown the hill with its
beauty, and the few poplars left of that old-
timed coronal that pointed heavenward with
its tall leafy spires, as ye made your fleeting
vows, are fast decaying, standing bald and
bare against the sky. A few of those grand
old pines are there, but underneath their
gloomy shades one hears no soft sighs of
love to mock the solemn dirge the moaning
wind sounds through their leafy branches.
All is changed ; and the nymph that hallowed
the grove of yore, has long ago departed
from its classic shades to consecrate other
scenes by her presence. Naught remains of
its former charms but the memory. Even
the house, forgetting its old uses, has out-
lived its ancient hospitality; and the halls
that once echoed to "the sounds of revelry
by night," whose larder supplied luxurious
feasts, and at whose porch the devotees of
health and pleasure always received such a
hearty and generous welcome, now resounds
only to the dull routine of Latin conjuga-
tions, and the dry details of mathematics,
save when some hapless school-boy, fallen
under the relentless arm of discipline, startles
the spectres of past pleasures with his boister-

ous grief, as the worthy Rector of the "Insti-
tute"' enforces the maxims of Solomon.

In i8oi Stephen H. White built the large
hotel now (1858) standing on the "Cory
Place," which, after extensive additions in
1807, became a popular and leading house of
entertainment. After his death, his widow
conducted it for many years with great suc-
cess. The house is now popularly called the
"Cory Castle."^

BALLSTON BECOMES FAMOUS.

Ballston was now in the hey-day of her
prosperity. Each succeeding summer brought
a constantly increasing number of guests, and
wealth began to flow into the coffers of its
citizens. The fame of its waters and hotels,
and the beauty and healthfulness of the sur-
rounding country attracted visitors from the
most remote sections of the Union, and even
from distant lands. During any season one
could find here representatives of whatever
was distinguished in the world of intellect, or
prominent in social life. Here gathered the
statesman and scholar; the gentleman of
wealthy leisure, and the beaux and belles of
the land. What Saratoga is to the present
generation, its elder sister, Ballston, was to
our fathers' time.

Prior to 1794 the possibility of a town
arising out of the hemlock swamp that sur-
rounded the Spring was a presumption that
even the most sanguine did not entertain. The
public buildings of the county were accord-
ingly located that year some two miles below
it, in the older settlement on the "middle line."
It was here if anywhere that prudent fore-
sight could place the future centre of the shire.
But the energy of Mr. Low had conquered
the natural obstacles that surrounded the un-
dertaking, and by 1800 a thriving little com-
munity had settled in the neighborhood. An
indomitable spirit of enterprise characterized
its inhabitants, which under the guidance of
Low's practical and experienced mind soon
made the place the famous summer resort of
the world.

THE "sans SOUCI."

To merit this renown every effort was made
to adorn and beautify the village. The houses

'The school of Dr. Babcock.
'This house was burned in 1873.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

of entertainment, by constant enlargement and
improvement had now become models of
their kind; but Mr. Low determined to excel
anything which as yet had been attempted in
the country. Accordingly he began the erec-
tion of the famous Sans Souci Hotel.' No
expense was spared to make it, what for years
after it was, the largest and most charming
resort in the States. The plans were furnished
by Andrew Berger, a French royalist refugee,
and were brought from Europe by Governeur
Morris, and in 1803 the work commenced. It
was completed in 1804, and as its beautiful
proportions, surpassing all previous attempts

3 Mi(<>ilitni
iTr'ilii""""''

' « I Jlllllllllil;.

I-

San Souci Hotel of 1804.

in their extent and correct taste, developed
themselves, the name of the Royal Prussian
Summer Palace, "Sans Souci," was chosen as
the appropriate title for this temple conse-
crated to the pleasure of mankind. The un-
dertaking was crowned with immense success.
The enterprising proprietor secured the ser-
vices of the most popular and experienced
hosts, and the fame of the Sans Souci was a
household word throughout the land.

GOLDEN DAYS.

Those were the golden days of Ballston.
Traffic had not invaded the grand old forest
that bordered the winding Kayaderosseras
and crowned the '"Pinnacle" that stood senti-
nel over the little village that clustered at its
base. The clatter and din of the factory and
workshop had not then affrighted the charm
of silence and beauty that brooded over the
stream, as with many a graceful curve it
wound its way through the wilderness to the
Lake. Where over foaming rifts it poured its
unstayed current down into the valley by the
village, the "Lover's Leap,"'" through whose
lofty pines the wind moaned the requiem of

"The Sans Souci was demolished in 1887.

"A precipitous rock bluff nearly 100 feet in
height, on the south bank of the kayaderosseras,
nearly opposite the Pulp mill.

the betrayed and lost, leaned its somber and
beetling rocks far over the stream, shading
it with a solemn and mournful grandeur, the
Genius of Progress has long since leveled
the forest and curbed the freedom of the
lovely river, which now has become the pa-
tient and plodding servant of the manufac-
turer.

About this time a hotel was erected where
the railroad embankment stands, on the north
side of Front street, and afterwards kept by
William Clark,'' the father of Nathaniel M!
Clark, so long the popular host of the "Village
Hotel." Numerous small houses sprang up
on the flat around the Spring, devoted to the
lodging of guests from the over-crowded
larger houses, and to the trades and recrea-
tions usually dependent upon summer resorts.
Season after season witnessed a constantly
increasing patronage, and during the sum-
mer months hotels and private houses were
thronged to overflowing. The permanent
residents of the village at this time had in-
creased to about five hundred.

VILLAGE INCORPORATED.

March 21st, 1807, the village was incorpor-
ated under its present name, with a oopula-
tion ranging between six and seven hundred.
At this time, and for years after, its medicinal
waters and popular hotels placed it foremost
as a summer resort, and it was only after a
long contest, and the final failure of its then
existing fountains, that the palm was yielded
to its dashing rival, Saratoga.

THE COUNTY SEAT.

The burning of the old Court House'^ on
the "middle line" on March 13, 1816, raised
the question for a new location of the "county
seat." The thrift and energy of the inhabi-
tants around the Springs had made the village
a prominent centre of business, and geograph-
ically it was also about the centre of the
county. The powerful interest of Mr. Low
was also invoked, and after a long contest in
the "lobby," extending through two sessions

"This was known as Clark's Motel ; it was
burned in 1823.

""The first court house, which was erected two
miles southwest from the village, was destroyed by
fire in the night of March 23, 1816. One of the pris-
oners perished. He was chained to the floor so
securely that he could not be removed." — Judge
George G. Scott.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

of the Legislature, between Ballston and Sara-
toga, the county buildings were finally located
on a sightly lot on High street in Ballston,
presented to the county by Mr. Low June 5th,
1817, for that purpose. The Commissioners
named in the Act for locating the public build-
ings were James Merrill, of Ballston Spa ;
Elisha Powell, of Milton ; Isaac Gere, of Gal-
way; John Gibson, of Ballston and Gilbert
Waring, of Milton.

The trustees of the village appointed Hons.
Samuel Young and James Thompson their
counsel to present the claim for the "county
seat" before the Legislature, and to their in-
defatigable exertions in that behalf is owing
the final success of the movement. They were
afterwards remunerated by a tax on the
village.

April 20, 1816, the Court of Common Pleas
met and appointed the Public School house"
in Ballston Spa as the place for holding courts
until the completion of the county buildings.
The grand jury met for public business at the
"Mansion House," the old building on Front
street next to the railroad, then kept by Arch-
ibald Kidd.

The county clerk's office was erected in
1824.'* Moses Williams, Andrew Watrous
and Eli Barnum being the Commissioners ap-
pointed for that purpose.

THE SPRINGS.

The peculiar geological formation in which
the mineral waters that have given this re-
gion such a marked celebrity are found, is
known as the "Hudson River Slate." The
range in which they are known to exist is a
well defined valley first traceable in the city
of Albany ; thence northwesterly to Ballston
Spa, where it deflects to the northeast until
it reaches Saratoga Springs, whence it fol-
lowed a little north of east into Argyle, in the
adjoining county of Washington. All along
this peculiar formation the waters generally
denominated the "acidulous carbonated" have
been found, either appearing spontaneously
upon the surface, the result of hidden subter-
ranean forces, or developed by the arts of man
searching into the hidden recesses of the earth
for its mysteriously compounded cordials for

"Known as The Academv, on Galway street.
"The stone building on Front street, near the rail-
road bridge, taken down a few years since.

the health of humanity. It is but proper here
to mention that the springs both at Ballston
Spa and Saratoga Springs which have attained
the greatest celebrity, are those which were
forced to the surface by natural agencies. All
the springs that have been found in this valley
coincide in their specific gravity and the gen-
eral chemical constituents of their waters.

The history of the "Public Well," or 'Iron-
Railing Spring" having been given elsewhere,
we now note its chemical components as given
by Dr. Meade in 1817. The temperature of
the spring was found to be 52 degrees Fahren-
heit. The specific gravity of one quart, when
compared with that of distilled water was as
T008 to 1000. The following ingredients were
revealed by accurate tests of one quart of
water :

Muriat of Soda 42 grains

Muriat of Lime 3'4 "

Miiriat of Magnesia Ij4 "

Carbonate of Magnesia iij^ "

Carbonate of Lime 9^4 "

Oxide of Iron i "

Total 69 grains

Carbonic Acid Gas 61 cubic inches

Azotic 2^ "

Total 63 V2 cubic inches

About thirty years after the discover}^ of
this spring, Mr. Low discovered another of
similar character which arose in the middle
of Gordon's Creek, about where Washing-
ton street now crosses Bath. The creek then
ran in the middle of the former street. In a
spring flood which occurred shortly after this
discovery, the course of the stream was
changed a little farther to the north, leaving
the spring just on the southern margin of the
creek. Any rise in the water overflowed the
mineral fountain. To remedy this Mr. Low
diverted the creek into its present channel,
and secured the spring for public use. The
water, however, seems to have undergone
a marked change. At its first appearance it
is said to have been superior to the Public
Well, but after these efl:'orts to secure it, it de-
teriorated to such an extent that it was aban-
doned as a drinking fountain, and afterwards
devoted to bathing, a house having been erect-
ed over it for that purpose.

A singular phenomenon occurred however,
after the course of the creek had been turned.
In the middle of the new channel, about op-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

jxjsite the present oil-cloth manufactory, an-
other spring suddenly burst forth, accom-
panied with a loud explosion, and throwing a
considerable column of water some distance
above the surface of the stream. This pow-
erful discharge continued for two days, when
the spring receded to the level of the creek.
Strenuous exertions were made to secure this
remarkable fountain, but they proved unsuc-
cessful.

Shortly after this singular freak of nature,
Mr. Low discovered in the original bed of
the creek, a few feet from his first spring, a
moist spot, with gas bubbles constantly aris-
ing and bursting on the surface. By digging
and curbing he succeeded in securing the cel-
ebrated spring known as "Low's Well." Of
this well Dr. Meade in his analysis says:
"It is constantly emitting a large quantity of
gas which arises from the bottom of the well,
and passing the bubbles through it, break on
the surface. This gas proves fatal to animal
life. Birds or fishes, if suspended over it for
a few minutes, are immediately killed." The
water of this spring was similar in its medic-
inal properties to the Public Well.

Other well-known springs were the Wash-
ington Spring, Park Spring, and Lafayette
Spring.

As an evidence of the early knowledge of
the existence of these peculiar waters at
Ballston, Col. Humphries, a distinguished
officer of the army of the Revolution, report-
ed them as being great favorites of the sol-
diers, who resorted to them during the cam-
paign of 1777, and that owing to the above
fact the waters were in a great measure sub-
stituted in the place of ardent spirits, and less
drunkenness existed during the presence of
the troops in this neighborhood on that ac-
count.

Mr. Booth's history of the earliest days of
Ballston Spa ends here. It is a vivid picture,
painted by the hand of a master, of the
pioneer life and early struggles of the first set-
tlers, and of the renown which came to the
village in the first quarter of the nineteenth
centur)', as the most famous watering place
in America.

THE SPRINGS OF B.\LLSTON SP.\.

In the early years of the nineteenth cen-
tury, and prior to the incorporation of the

village, the mineral springs of Ballston Spa
had attained great renown, and with its un-
rivalled hotel accommodations, the village
became the "first watering place of America."
An old Gazetteer published in 1823, says that
its population at that time was 1,909, and that
"this place is famous for its mineral waters,
which are much frequented by the gay and
fashionable during the months of July and
August. In the summer of 1818, twenty-five
hundred persons visited these springs, of
whom more than twelve hundred were from
States south of New York."

Dr. Valentine Seaman, of New York, was
the first to attempt an analysis of the mineral
waters of Ballston and Saratoga. His analy-
sis was made in 1792, and published under
the title of "A Dissertation on the Mineral
Waters of Saratoga — including an account of
the waters of Ballston." A second and en-
larged edition was published in 1809. Mr.
Willard Lester, of Saratoga Springs, is the
owner of one of the two or three copies of
this book still in existence, from which we
quote the following interesting paragraphs:

"The Lord hath created medicines out of the
earth, and he that is wise will not abhor them." —
Ecc. xxxviii-4.

"As the burning mountains of Italy command the
astonishment of mankind, so the cold boiling springs
of Saratoga, ought, I had almost said, to demand
their adoration. They constantly boil up refresh-
ing fountains, tended as it were, by Hygeia herself,
dispensing health and happiness to all around."

"Places, like persons, after having attained a
certain degree of celebrity, frequently undergo a
change in their names. Thus the modest foiintaine
dc belle can has become the admired Foutainbleau.
and the once obscure town of Brighthelmestone has
become the brilliant Brighton. So also Ballstown,
which afterwards to distinguish it from a place of
the same name in the District of Maine, was called
Balltown, has finally, in seeming subserviency to
the ton of the times, assumed the more fashionable
title of Ballston."

"Every local consideration, beside the highly
medicinal virtues of tlie waters themselves, tends
to render these Springs equal, if not superior as a
place of general resort, to any of the most dis-
tinguished watering places in Europe. The sports-
man here need never languish for want of employ-
ment; should fishing be his favorite amusement,
he has the lakes and rivers at his command ; if he
delights in his gun, here are not wanting objects
whereupon to try his skill. To those who are fond
of riding and of enjoying the sublime and varied
scenery of nature, no country is better calculated
than this to gratify their taste. When to all this,
we add the extraordinary accommodations and en-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

tertainment furnished at Ballston, equalling the
most unbounded wish, we cannot be surprised that
these, like most other celebrated medicated springs,
from having at first been the refuge of suffering
humanity, should become the seat and empire of
luxury and dissipation, the rallying point of parties
of pleasure."

"While the superior accommodation fixes upon
Ballston as the place of dwelling, the Springs of
Saratoga will command frequent visits."

"I am told that during the Revolutionary War,
while the troops lay at Saratoga, many of them
were affected with the itch, and were sent off in
companies to these Springs, by which they were
all cured."

"The mode of passing the time, it is true, may
chill the mace and paralyze the balls of the billiard
board, but it will warm the heart, and promote the
healthy movement of its blood ; it may diminish the
demand for cards, but it will enhance the value of
life. Let us then be upon the alert, and by well di-
rected exertions repel the approaches of disease and
keep clear from the favours of the Faculty: it is
assuredly

'Better to hunt the fields for health unbought

Than fee the Doctor for a nauseous draught'."

In 1817, twenty years after Dr. Seaman
had written of the Springs, William Meade,
M. D., of Philadelphia, in his book on the
mineral waters of Ballston and Saratoga, says :
"At this period there are few places in any
country where the invalid, or the man of leis-
ure, can be more agreeably accommodated
than at Ballston and Saratoga. In this, Balls-
ton certainly first took the lead, principally
owing to the spirited exertions of a wealthy
proprietor (Nicholas Low) who has spared no
expense in erecting a building at once spa-
cious and commodious; and this, with several
other hotels equally respectable, has estab-
lished Ballston as a watering place of the most
fashionable resort in the United States."

The original Spring, which has been fully
described by Mr. Booth, was about fifty feet
south of the present Iron Spring, in the cen-
ter of Front street, at its intersection with
Charlton street, and a little west of the cross-
walk. This spring came to be known as the
"Public Well." At first it was confined in a
common barrel. About the year 1800 the
water was secured in a metal pipe eighteen
inches in diameter, which was surrounded
with an ornamental iron railing, with four
gates, and a marble floor. It then received
the appellation of '"the iron-railing spring."

In the year 1803. while the Sans Souci was
being erected, Mr. Low discovered a spring
a short distance from the north-west corner

of the hotel premises, which became widely
known as Low's Well, and was the most popu-
lar of all the Ballston springs. This was one
of the group of springs known as the Sans
Souci Springs. The other springs composing
the group were the Sans Souci, directly in the
rear of the hotel," a Sulphur spring near by;
Park Spring in the rear of Medbery's Hotel,
and New Spring, which was found under the
easterly part of the bath-houses.

That part of the village on the north side of
Washington street, and west of Bath street,
was known as the Public Park, and about 1807
several other springs were discovered in the
Park. These springs were similar in medici-
nal properties to those previously discovered,
and never received much attention, and no
record of them has been preserved.

The United States Spring was near the
northeast corner of Bath and Washington
streets, and with the group of Sans Souci
springs was connected with the bath houses,
which were on the north side of Washington
street, east of Bath street. The bath houses
were owned by James Jack.

During the latter part of the summer of
1817, continued rains had so swollen Gordon
creek that it burst its usual bounds, and in-
some places formed a new channel. On the
subsiding of the flood, a new spring of splen-
did medicinal qualities was discovered. It
was located in front of the factory (now the
Tannery), near the creek. There was an im-
mense flow of water, and when it was confined'
in a tube, "the water arose about five feet
above the level of the brook, and was then>
suffered to fall over its sides in the form of
a jet d'eati, furnishing a fine opportunity for
inspecting its sparkling qualities to the great-
est advantage." This fountain continued to
flow for about two years, the wonder and ad-
miration of all who saw it and drank of its
waters. At length, however, the abundant
carbonic acid gas seemed to be exhausted,
and all attempts to reclaim the Spring were
fruitless. This was called the Washington
Spring.

In 1824 another Spring was discovered
about one hundred feet south of the Iron-
Railing Spring, and was first named the New
Washington Spring. The name was changed
to Lafayette Spring, in honor of the Marquis
(General) de Lafayette, who made his last

CENTENNIAL HISTORY Of BALLSTON SPA

Visit to the United States, arriving in tliis
country soon after the discovery of the Spring.
It survived all the other springs of early days,
common usage causing it to be called the Old
Iron Spring, and continued its abundant flow
until in the '70's, when the boring of the pres-
ent Iron Spring at the west end of Front
Street, evidently tapped the same mineral
vein, and the "Old Spring," which had been
for lialf a century a favorite resort for all our
citizens was exhausted, and gave place to the
present spring, whose medicinal properties arc
almost identical with those of the "Old
Spring."

QUALITIES OF " THE SPRINGS."

Writing from Yale College, New Haven,
under date of April 27, 1824, Benjamin Silli-
man, the eminent professor of chemistry in
that institution, gives the following interest-
ing description of the springs :

"Dear Sir: You request my opinion of the min
eral waters at Ballston Spa. They are in my view,
very valuable, and I can discern no serious reason
why public opinion should be less favorable to them
now than formerly. I became acquainted with the
old spring, near Mr. Aldridge's in consequence of
using its waters uninterruptedly at the fountain
head, for a month, in the autumn of 1797; and a
residence for the same length of time at Ballston
Spa, during the last summer, gave me an opportunity
of renewing my acquaintance with the Old Spring,
and of becoming familiar also with those more re-
cently discovered fountains, which have been opened
and brought into use. The old spring appears sub-
stantially as it did in 1797. and is, I suppose, sur-
passed by no mineral fountain in the world as a
brisk, copious, slightly saline, and strong chalybeate.
The principal spring under the bath house, while it
is also a brisk chalybeate, is, besides in a high de-
gree saline, and is probably unrivalled as a natural
combination of this class. Its cathartic properties
are strong and its tonic powers equally so. There
is no spring either at Ballston Spa or Saratoga
Springs which I should prefer to this. I speak of
my own experience — for some persons, a brisk ca-
thartic water, scarcely chalybeate at all, like the
Congress spring, may be preferable. The Congress
spring is also, so far as I am informed, without a
rival in its class — but it is scarcely proper to call
it a chalybeate, as it is only so in a slight degree.
There is no reason why the establishments at Sara-
toga Springs and Ballston Spa should regard each
Other with an unfriendly feeling. The accommoda-
tions of both are too good to need praise from me,
and the bounty of the Creator has poured forth these
fountains of health, in the great valley (for I regard
the springs of Ballston Spa and Saratoga as parts
of one great system) with a profuse benevolence
unknown in any other country. Nothing can ex-
ceed the variety, copiousness and excellence of the

springs at Saratoga — but those of Ballston Spa are
in no respect except that of number and variety in-
ferior to them, and I trust the day is not distant
when a truly liberal feeling, will in both villages,
lead to mutual commendation, and an amicable
rivalry in efforts to please and to accommodate their
guests ; and the salutary effect will then, I am per-
suaded, soon be visible, in the increased number of
visitors from every part of this great continent ; a
number more than sufficient to fill both villages, and
fully reward the spirited and liberal proprietors of
their respective public establishments. With the
best wishes for the prosperity of both places, I re-
main

"Your Obt. Servt.,

B. SlLLIM.\N."

From the tone of this letter it is quite evi-
dent that a bitter rivalry had sprung up be-
tween the villages for supremacy as a summer
resort, and that some representations had been
made in regard to the springs at Ballston
Spa which were not strictly true. The letter
is a model one, for while it speaks in highest
praise of the Ballston springs, it also gives
merited commendation to the fountains at
Saratoga, and counsels the cultivation of more
amicable relations between the villages.

BALLSTON'S LATER SPRINGS.

THE GLEN SPRING.

In the month of April, 1861, Mr. George
W. Chapman noticed a strong "bubbling,"
with an odor of gas, in the Kayaderosseras,
just below the dam of the woolen mill (now
the Pulp mill) in "The Glen." He drilled
through the rock to a depth of about seventy-
five feet, when he struck a vein of mineral
water which rose to the surface and spouted
several feet into the air. The water was
strongly impregnated with carbonic acid gas,
most agreeable to the taste, and was pro-
nounced by experts equal to the best of the
Saratoga waters. It somewhat resembled the
Geyser water. Mr. Chapman tubed the spring,
and created a small island about it, which was
reached by a light bridge. This spring be-
came a great favorite, especially with the
young people. It was located in a lovely spot,
deep in "The Glen," and just beyond the
"Lovers' Leap." The walk to the spring was
along the high southern bank of the Kayader-
osseras, but the most popular route was by
boat up the Kayaderosseras. Benjamin Os-
good, an old sailor, built a large boat that
would accommodate about twenty people,

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

which he propelled with one large oar from
the stern, the round trip occupying a half
hour. Osgood, a little later on, became more
familiarly known as "Beauregard," from his
well-known Southern proclivities, which fre-
quently engaged him in heated and not al-
ways harmless argument. The interest in the
"Chapman Spring" abated after two or three
summers; the bridge floated off during high
water, and as a "fountain of health" and a
favorite trysting place it has become only a
memory.

ARTESIAN LITHIA SPRING.

In the month of April, 1865, no little excite-
ment was created by the reported discovery
of petroleum in Ballston Spa. A ditch' was
being dug in the rear of their tannery on Sar-
atoga avenue, by the Parent brothers, when
the workmen on returning to their labor one
morning, discovered an oily substance in the
bottom of the excavation. They informed
their employers, and in a few days reported
tests of the "crude oil" taken from the ditch
declared it to be superior to that of the Penn-
sylvania oil region. Excitement ran high.
Land in various localities was leased and a
large number of derricks erected, while pub-
lic expectation centred upon the boring op-
erations at the tannery. Oil prospectors and
experts from Pennsylvania and elsewhere
were numerous and enthusiastic over the new
Oildorado. The Parents sold their tannery
for $60,000, and not long afterward the drill
stuck fast in the bore. Efforts to recover it
were futile, and a new boring was begun on
the bank of the spill-way from the lower Blue
Mill pond.

Just at this time, in the month of June, a
"burning spring" was discovered in the grove
of John S. ("Bony") Ford, on Malta avenue,
a little southwest of the present High School
building. A blast opened the rock, and when
Mr. Ford discovered a strong current of gas
issuing from the opening, he turned a barrel
over the spot, and connected this extemporized
gasometer with a large lantern in which was
a good sized gas burner. The gas burned
freely and gave a beautiful light. It was left
burning for several weeks, and it was pro-
posed to light the village with this natural
gas, but no definite action was taken.

The "burning spring" only added to the

prevailing excitement, and the boring for oil
was vigorously prosecuted. The drilling was
in charge of Simon B. Conde and James Den-
ton, who had spent some time in the Pennsyl-
vania oil district. On March 31, 1866, when
the drill reached a depth of five hundred and
fifty feet, Mr. Conde was startled by a loud
rumbling from the bore, and ran hastily from
the spot. In a moment the drill and the iron
rod to which it was attached, some thirty feet
in length, and weighing several hundred
pounds, shot out of the bore to a height of
twenty feet, followed by a solid column of
water four inches in diameter, which sprang
fifty feet into the air. The spouting contin-
ued for about two hours, until the gas had
spent its force, and was repeated every third
day, until the spring was tubed. This novel
sight attracted hundreds of visitors, many
from a distance. The water, as shown by the
analysis, was much stronger than the Sara-
toga waters, and of very great medicinal value.
It was named the "Artesian Lithia Spring,"
and is located on Saratoga avenue.

The following is the analysis of one gallon
of the water:

GRAINS.

Chloride of sodium 750.030

Chloride of potassium 33.276

Bromide of sodium 3.643

Iodide of sodium 0.124

Fluoride of calcium a trace

Bicarbonate of lithia 7-750

Bicarbonate of soda 11.928

Bicarbonate of magnesia 180.602

Bicarbonate of lime 238.156

Bicarbonate of strontia 0.867

Bicarbonate of baryta 3.881

Bicarbonate of iron 1 . 581

Sulphate of potassa 0.520

Phosphate of soda 0.050

Biborate of soda a trace

Alumina 0.077

Silica 0.761

Organic matter a trace

Total 1,233.246

Carbonic acid gas 426.114 cubic in.

Density 10159 "

Temperature 52 deg. F.

HIDE-FRANKLIN SPRING.

In July, 1853, it was claimed that a new
spring had been discovered through the agency
of modern spiritualism. Dr. Barron, a phy-
sician from Massachusetts, and a firm believer
in spiritualism, appeared in Ballston, and said

«4

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

he "was directed by the spirits to come to
Ballston and purchase a certain piece of
ground south of the Red Mill, on which would
be found a mineral fountain whose waters
would be 'for the healing of the nations.' "
The ground was bought for $i,ooo, and the
search for the spring went on for some months
without success, when Dr. Barron departed, a
poorer if not a wiser man.

It is a trite saying that "history repeats
itself." In 1868 the "Spiritualist Society"
was quite strong and on the increase in the
village. In former years and during the sum-
mer of 1868, Samuel Hides, a man of con-
siderable wealth, living on Malta avenue, on
more than one occasion at "seances," had com-
munications through a "medium" from Ben-
jamin Franklin. The spirit of "Good Old
Ben" told Hides that by boring at a particular
spot on his farm he would "find a spring of
remarkable medicinal value which would be
'for the healing of the nations'." With
strong faith in the superior knowledge of
"Good Old Ben," Hides began operations,
Conde and Denton handling the drills. Frank-
lin was possessed of greater knowledge as to
the location of these great reservoirs of life-
giving waters, than his Massachusetts brother-
spirit, and in April, 1869, after drilling
through earth and rock to a depth of seven
hundred and fifteen feet, the water came
rushing up with great velocity, and was
thrown into the air more than fifty feet.

The analysis follows:

GRAINS.

Chloride of sodium 659.344

Chloride of potassium 33.930

Bromide of sodium 4665

Iodide of sodium .235

Fhioride of calcium a trace

Bicarbonate of lithia 6.777

Bicarbonate of soda 94.604

Bicarbonate of magnesia 177.868

Bicarbonate of lime 202.232

Bicarbonate of strontia .002

Bicarbonate of baryta 1.231

Bicarbonate of iron 1.609

Sulphate of potassa .762

Phosphate of soda .oil

Biborate of soda a trace

Alumina .263

Silica .735

Organic matter a trace

Total 1184.368

Carbonic acid gas 460.066 cubic in.

Density 1. 0115 "

Temperature 52 deg. F.

WASHINGTON LITHIA WELL.

This spring is situated at the west end of
Van Buren street, close to the railroad em-
bankment. It was discovered in the autumn
of 1868, after boring to a depth of six hundred
and twelve feet. The spring is not open to
the public. The following is the analysis of
the water:

GRAINS.

Chloride of sodium 645.481

Chloride of potassium 9232

Bromide of sodium 2.368

Iodide of sodium .925

Fluoride of calcium a trace

Bicarbonate of lithia 10.514

Bicarbonate of soda 34.400

Bicarbonate of magnesia 158.348

Bicarbonate of lime 178.484

Bicarbonate of strontia .189

Bicarbonate of baryta 4-739

Bicarbonate of iron 2.296

Sulphate of potassa none

Phosphate of soda .003

Biborate of soda a trace

Alumina . 595

Silica 1.026

Organic matter a trace

Total 1047.700

Carbonic acid gas 338.34s cubic in.

Density 1. 010 "

Temperature 49 deg. F.

SANS SOUCI SPRING.

In 1870, Mr. George Smith, proprietor of
the Sans Souci, decided to drill for mineral
water. Familiar with the history of "Low's
Well," and the "Sans Souci Spring" of early
days, he selected the spot he desired in the
court of the hotel, directly on a line with the
central hall. Mr. Button, of Lansingburgh,
was employed to do the drilling. When the
drill reached the water at a depth of six hun-
dred and ninety feet, the wonderful spouting
phenomena of the "Artesian" and "Franklin"
springs was reproduced at the "Sans Souci."
The grand spouting was witnessed by a large
crowd, which had been called together by the
whistle of the engine. The analysis follows:

GRAINS.

Chloride of sodium 572.306

Chloride of potassium 5.860

Bromide of sodium 1.055

Iodide of sodium .620

Bicarbonate of soda 4.757

Bicarbonate of lithia II-793

Phosphate of lime 193. 179

Bicarbonate of magnesia 181. 106

Bicarbonate of iron 9-239

Alumina a trace

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Silica 1 . 140

Bicarbonate of baryta 1 . 790

Bicarbonate of strontia a trace

Chloride of rubidium a trace

Total 986.345

Carbonic acid gas 538. 074 cubic in.

Density 1. 015

Temperature 50 deg. F.

THE IRON SPRING

Is owned by the village, and is free to the
public. It is located at the west end of Front
street, about fifty feet north of Ballston's first
Spring. It is an artesian well, six hundred

1 he Iron Spring, H*u7.

and forty-seven feet in depth, and was drilled
in 1874. It is quite similar in its mineral qual-
ities to the original spring.

THE WEST SPRING.

In boring for fresh water about ten years
ago, the late Hon. George West, struck a vein
of splendid mineral water at great depth. For
a few years this spring was opened to the
public at stated times, but at present is closed.
It is located near the bag factory.

While the springs which first gave Ballston
Spa its great renown as a summer resort have
disappeared, and the neighboring village of
Saratoga Springs has become the most fa-
mous watering place in the world, Ballston
Spa has to-day within its corporate limits six
medicinal springs that are not surpassed by
any in the United States or Europe.

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.

The following account of the visit of Sir
William Johnson to the spring at Ballston Spa
is from Mr. Booth's unpublished history. The
published histories of Saratoga County do
not mention this visit of Sir William to the
original spring at Ballston Spa, but speak
only of his visit to the High Rock Spring at
Saratoga. There is little doubt that the
spring at Ballston Spa was the one recom-
mended by the Indian medicine men, and that
while tarrying here he was first informed of
the spring at Saratoga, which he afterward
visited.'

Mr. Booth writes :

In 1767, Sir William Johnson, the Lord of
"Johnson Hall," in the Mohawk country, be-
ing afflicted with that inevitable accompani-
ment of the English Baronetcy of the olden
time — the gout, was advised by his Indian
medicine men to test the efficacy of certain
mineral waters in these parts. Setting forth
from his home among the Indians, he was
borne by slow stages to Schenectady, fol-
lowed by a large retinue of attendants, and
what honest Bailie Jarvie would have called
"a lang tail" of Mohawks. Arriving in Sche-
nectady early in August, this first pilgrim to
the modern Bethesda found there was no road
farther northward than "McDonald's clear-
mg," and his gouty limbs compelling him to
travel by litter, or wagon, he sent forward a
party, which under the guidance of Michael
McDonald completed the road from Long
Lake to the Spring. This was the first road
opened in this part of the country, and, with
but trifling changes in its course, has re-
mained the principal highway from Ballston
Spa to Schenectady.

The road reported complete, towards the
end of August, the gouty old baronet resumed
his pilgrimage in search of health. We can
imagine that first party of visitants dragging
its slow length along. Now toiling through
deep mires, which to it must have seemed
veritable "sloughs of despond ;" now jolting

'Jeptha R. Simms in his "Frontiersmen of New
York" says : "I had supposed this visit of the Bar-
onet was to Ballston instead of Saratoga, because
many of the white settlers as well as the Indians
had discovered the medical properties of those 'heal-
ing waters.' Mr. Stone speaks of his going to the
High Rock Spring at Saratoga, though on what au-
thority is not shown."

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLS TON SPA

over felled timber; with the testy lord of the
Mohawk groaning an accompaniment of
curses, both loud and deep, first on his swelled
and swaddled legs, then on his attendants, and
more than all upon the wretched road. Slow-
ly, wearily and painfully they toiled on, over
a route along which a few years later the fly-
ing coach, laden with its freight of devotees
of health and pleasure, rolled swiftly by
toward the same goal, which had then become
the fashionable summer resort of the world.

In sight of and parallel with it the snorting
locomotive, waking the echoes of the remnants
of those old forests, now whirls over its iron
course its yearly quota of tens of thousands
anxious pilgrims to the modern Mecca of
Pleasure and Mammon that has arisen from
the wilderness of the Kayaderosseras.

Little did the swearing old baronet know
on what a wild chase he was leading the
world, or what a motley horde he was pio-
neering through this then terra incognita. At
night-fall of the first day, after a weary
march, they reached McDonald's. They had
advanced just ten miles. Passing the night
here, on the morrow they pursued their jour-
ney over Sir William's new road, and although
the remaining distance did not exceed five
miles, our pilgrims did not reach their pro-
posed camping ground near the spring, until
towards evening of that day. Such were the
difficulties attendant upon this first excursion
from Schenectady to "The Springs."

The party encamped on the flat, across the
creek, and directly opposite the original
spring, known as the "Public Well," or "Iron-
Railing Spring," in the village of Ballston
Spa. This was the ancient Indian camping
ground, and a considerable "clearing" had
been made here by them. The Spring as
Johnson first saw it, bubbled out from the
base of a slaty ledge on the east bank of the
creek, since known as Gordon creek, the wa-
ters of which almost overflowed the Spring.
This stream years afterwards was diverted
from its original course by a canal, thus
changing materially the natural features of the
locality.

While stopping here he was advised by his
Indian attendants of the existence of other
springs of medicinal water still farther to the
northward. Causing the country to be ex-
plored, the celebrated "High Rock" spring at

Saratoga was discovered; and having a road
opened along the Kayaderosseras to Baker's
bridge, and thence north to the Spring, Sir
William, as soon as his health permitted, re-
moved his camp thither. This was the first
authenticated visit of a white man to the fa-
mous fountains of Saratoga. The Springs of
Ballston were known to exist, and had been
visited by the McDonalds prior to Johnson's
expedition, and one of the brothers acted as
his guide on that occasion. The Baronet, in
alluding to these springs, said : "In tracing
the history of these medicinal springs, I could
only learn that an Indian chief discovered
them to a sick French officer in the early part
of their war with the English. But whether
they were these very springs in this bason, or
those at ten miles distance, properly called
Saratoga Springs, I know not."

So impressed was Johnson with the benefi-
cent effects of these mineral waters that
through his exertion the spring was reserved
for public use in the grants of the surround-
ing land. Ever after the fountain was known
as "the Public Well."

Johnson returned from the Springs at the
close of the season much improved in health,
making most of the journey to Schenectady
on foot, as preferable to enduring the jolting
over the rude forest road he had opened. The
visit and cure of so distinguished a person
was calculated to spread the reputation of the
waters. From the settlements along the Hud-
son and Mohawk, parties sought them for
health, or to gratify their curiosity; and the
sick, the halt, or the curious, following the
lonely trails through the gloomy forests, com-
menced the pilgrimage to these health-giving
fountains that time has since ripened into a
social institution of peculiar and imposing
magnitude.

WASHINGTON VISITS THE SPRING.

Notable as was the visit of Sir William
Johnson in 1767, it hardly surpasses in inter-
est the later visit of General Washington in
1783. While at his Headquarters in New-
burg, awaiting the arrival of the treaty of
peace, Washington decided to visit the scene
of Burgoyne's surrender at Schuylerville, and
other points of interest in Northern New
York. Governor George Clinton, Alexander

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTOK SPA

Hamilton and two members of his staff, Colo-
nels Humplirey and Fish, accompanied him.
Irving, in his life of Washington, says :

"Washington now (1783) found his position at
Headquarters irksome ; there was Httle to do, and
he was likely to be incessantly teased with applica-
tions and demands, which he had neither the means
nor power to satisfy. He resolved, therefore, to
while away part of the time that must intervene be-
fore the arrival of the definitive treaty by making a
tour to the northern and western parts of the State,
and visiting the places which had been the theatre
of important military transactions. He had another
object in view; he desired to facilitate, as far as
in his power, the operations which would be neces-
sary for occupying, as soon as evacuated by British
troops, the posts ceded by the Treaty of Peace.

"Governor Clinton accompanied him on the ex-
pedition. They set out by water from Newburg,
ascended the Hudson to Albany, visited Saratoga
and the scene of Burgoyne's surrender; embarked
on Lake George, where light boats had been pro-
vided for them ;• traversed that beautiful lake, so
full of historic interest; proceeded to Ticonderoga
and Crown Point; and, after reconnoitering those
eventful posts, returned to Schenectady."

On their return route, the party visited the
High Rock Spring at Saratoga. Col. William
L. Stone, in his "Reminiscences of Saratoga
and Ballston," tells of Washington's visit to
Ballston. He says:

"They left (Saratoga) on horseback for Schenec-
tady, with the intention of visiting on their route
the newly-discovered spring at Ballston Spa, after-
wards known as 'the "Iron-Railing Spring.'^and of
dining with General Gordon, who, at that time lived
upon the 'middle line road.'

"On their route through the woods between the
two Springs, they struck the path leading west by
Merrick's Mills (now Factory Village) to the
Middle Line Road, and continued west toward
that road, thus losing their way. Near Merrick's
lived one 'Tom' Conner, who was chopping wood
at his cabin door. They inquired of him the way
to the Spring, and 'Tom' gave the requisite direc-
tions. The party accordingly retraced their steps
a short distance upon the road by which they had
come, but soon becoming bewildered, rode back for
more explicit directions. 'Tom' had, by this time,
lost his temper, and peevishly cried out to the
spokesman of the party — who happened to be Wash-
ington— •'! tell you, turn back and take the first
right-hand path into the woods, and then stick to
it — any darned fool would know the way.' When
'Tom' afterwards learned that he had addressed
Washington himself in this unceremonious man-
ner, he was extremely chagrined and mortified. His
neighbors, for a long time afterwards, tormented
poor 'Tom' on his 'reception of General Wash-
ington.'

"The party, following 'Tom's' instructions found
the Spring, then flowing through a barrel, and in
the midst of a dense forest. From the Spring, Wash-

ington and his companions proceeded to General
Gordon's, where they dined. Toward nightfall
they parted from that General with many expres-
sions of regret, and left for Schenectady. As the
party moved off, James Scott, the father of Hon.
George G. Scott, of Ballston, then in his tenth year,
boy-like, secreted himself behind a rail-fence by the
roadside, and peeped through the rails. He ever
afterwards retained a vivid recollection of Wash-
ington's physiognomy and appearance on horse-
back."

In later years the memory of this visit gave
to one of Ballston's medicinal fountains its
name — "Washington Spring."

THE HOTELS.

Mr. Booth has given the early history of the
Sans Soiici, the Aldridge (Douglas) House,
McMaster's and White's. There are many
other entertaining facts which are deserving
of a place in the history of the village.

THE FAMOUS SANS SOUCI.

In the year 1803 Nicholas Low erected the
spacious Sans Souci, Ballston's largest hotel,
from ■ plans furnished by Andrew Berger, a
French loyalist refugee, who became its
first landlord the next year. Harper's
Tourists' Guide, published as late as 1830,
says : "The Sans Souci Hotel is the principal
house in the place, and<is at least equal in plan
and arrangement to any similar establishment
in the country. Sans Souci is a building of
great size and presents a front 156 feet long,
with a wing extending back from each end
150 feet, all of them three stories high, and
contains lodging for 250 persons." The Sans
Souci buildings and grounds at this time oc-
cupied the entire block bounded by Front
street, Milton avenue, Washington and Spring
streets.

In this large and palatial hotel were en-
tertained the most distinguished men of the
nation — Webster, Clay, Calhoun, Martin Van
Buren and his son Prince John, General Wool,
J. Fenimore Cooper, Franklin Pierce, Commo-
dores Hull, Decatur and McDonough, An-
drew Jackson, Douglas, Seward, William L.
Marcy, Edward Everett, Silas Wright, Wash-
ington Irving — presidents, senators, gover-
nors and judges, soldiers and authors inscribed
their names on its register. There Joseph
Bonaparte, ex-king of Spain, and his suite
stayed for some months in 1821 ; and there, in

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLS TON SFA

the east parlor, a messenger brought to him
the letter that announced the death of the
great Napoleon on the island of St. Helena.
Prince Napoleon, the last Emperor of France,
was a guest when a young man. And there.
on July 4, 1857, Hon. William L. Marcy,
three times Governor of New York, died quite
suddenly.

The Ballston Journal of July 7, 1857, has
the following account of the death of Govern-
or Marcy :

"This distinguished citizen, who had filled so
many important stations both in the State and
nation, departed this life on last Saturday after-

1812; recorder of the City of Troy; attorney-gen-
eral and also controller of the State; justice of the
supreme court; U. S. senator; secretary of war
under President Polk, and secretary of state under
President Pierce. Mr. Marcy was one of the most
eminent statesmen of his day."

More than one hundred years ago, in the
summer of 1805, the second season of the Sans
Souci, Mr. Elkanah Watson and Mr. Bayard
were traveling in the northern part of the
State of New York. Mr. Watson's journal
says :

"We left Albany on the 19th of August, and the
ensuing day reached the 'Sans Souci,' in Ballston,
amid scenes of elegance and gaiety. We seated our-

SANS SOUCI HOTEL IN 1850.

noon, July 4, about half past twelve o'clock, at the
Sans Souci Hotel in this village, where he had been
staying a few weeks previous to his intended de-
parture for Europe. An hour previous to his death,
Mr. Marcy was walking about our streets, and, to
all appearances, was in perfect health. During the
forenoon, however, he complained of a slight pain
in his back, and about 11 o'clock a. m. he called at
the residence of Dr. L. Moore. Not finding the
doctor at home, he shortly afterward returned to
the hotel and requested the clerk to send for the
doctor. He then retired to his room, (about 15
minutes past 12.) The doctor soon arriving went
to his room and rapped, but received no answer.
He then returned to the office and after waiting a
few minutes again went to his room and opened
the door. On entering the room he found him, as
was first supposed, in a quiet sleep ; but alas ! life
had departed. It is supposed his difficulty was a
disease of the heart. He was Governor three terms,
being defeated for a fourth nomination by Gov.
Win. H. Seward. He was a soldier of the war of

selves at a sutnptuous table, with about a hundred
guests of all classes, but generally, from their appear-
ance and deportment, of the first respectability, as-
sembled here from every part of the Union and
from Europe, in the pursuit of health or pleasure,
or matrimony, or of vice. This is the most splendid
watering-place in America, and is scarcely sur-
passed in Europe in its dimensions, and the taste
and elegance of its arrangement. The building
contains about one hundred apartments, all re-
spectably furnished. The plan upon which it is
constructed, the architecture, the style of the out-
buildings, and the gravel walks girted with shrub-
bery— are all on a magnificent scale. What a con-
trast has the progress of fifteen. years, since I was
here in i7go, produced! Where the 'Sans Souci'
now stands, was then an almost impenetrable
quagmire, enveloped in trees, and deformed by
slumps and fallen logs. A single, one-story house,
situated upon the hill which overlooked this deso-
late valley, was the only public accommodation,
and although at the height of the season was oc-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

cupied by six or eight families. I described, in my
journal of that day, the arrangements for drinking
and bathing which then existed.

"In the evening, we attended a ball in the spaci-
ous hall, brilliantly illuminated with chandeliers,
and adorned with various other appliances of ele-
gance and luxury. Here was congregated a fine
exhibition of the refinement of the 'beau monde.'
A large proportion of the assembly was from South-
ern States, and was distinguished by elegant and
polished manners. Instead of the old-fashioned
country dances and four-hand reels, of revolutionary
days, I was pleased to notice the advance of re-
fined customs, and the introduction of the graces
of Paris, in the elegant cotillion and quadrille. At
table I was delighted in observing the style and ap-
pearance of the company, males and females inter-
mixed in the true French usage of 'Sans Souci.'
The board was supplied in profusion, not only with
a rich variety, but with the luxuries of more sunny
climes. There was a large display of servants, hand-
somely attired, while the music of a choice band
enlivened the occasion.

"In the afternoon, we arrived at Congress Hall,
in Saratoga. This is a large hotel, three stories
high, with galleries in front, but far inferior to the
'Sans Souci' in dimensions and appearance. The
Saratoga Springs, since my first visit, have obtained
great celebrity for their extraordinary medicinal
properties. They are esteemed more efficacious than
the Ballston waters. Saratoga is proving a formid-
able rival to Ballston, and it is probable will ac-
quire the fashionable ascendency, and eventually be-
come the Bath of America."

Mr. Jacob Cohen, of Charleston, S. C, was
a guest at the Sans Souci during the seasons
of 1812-13-14, and in all a score of seasons,
the last in 1870. He said on his last visit,
speaking of earlier days: "There was no
place like Ballston, and no hotel like the Sans
Souci, tho' I have visited all the famous wa-
tering places on this continent." Mr. Cohen
died in 1871.

The Ballston Spa Gazette in its issue of
June 10, 1823, said: "Yesterday morning the
bell of the Sans Souci announced the arrival
of its guests. Since last season the property
of Mr. Low has been transferred to Mr. Har-
vey Loomis, of Albany, and we have the satis-
faction to state that the present proprietor has
made great improvements which have added
much to the internal embellishment of the
Sans Souci Hotel. Messrs. Aldridge and
Cory's boarding houses are again opened for
the reception of company."

It was about this time that Peter, or "Pete"
Francis, as he was familiarly called, was the
chef of the Sans Souci. After remaining a
few seasons, with the assistance of the late
Hon. James M. Cook, he established himself

in a small one-story-and-a-half inn at the
south end of Saratoga Lake, and for many
years the "fish and game dinners" of Pete
Francis were famous the country over.

In 1849 John W. Fowler established the
"State and National Law School" in the Sans
Souci. He opened it with a faculty of eminent
professors and secured a large attendance of
stttdents. At the examination in that year,
Ex-President Van Buren, Governor Hamil-
ton Fish, Horace Greeley and Henry Clay'

■ .^.iaiiajiiiiitjjpi)

The imdirsiiined having |iirchiisi"<l nil (hi- intiri»l of Ni- ;

ehoUs Low. in Iht Vilbjc of Billjl* Sp», »P«' »"" nolicc lo llic pohUc, >b»l
he has taken posscMon of the iibov? clegunt E^tablUhtneiit, and hna thoroughly ,
repaired the samr, and supplied it nilh new foniilore He has engaged kind,
atientive and Iruslj servants, and Ladies and Gentlemen may be assured tb.st the
bouse will be l(ept in as good style ind order as aoy estalslishtiicnt of the kind
in the Union, He Halters himself that s¥ith renewed escrlions, added lo dii-
former reputation of the house, vtJ^ltassnt aitd keallhy loeatiun, tlu numtrbut
.Wmral ll'aUri in ih eiriiiify, and (be excHions whieh will be made for Ihi'
comfort, convenience and pleasure of the visitors, that he .hall receive that ,..,
troBajic which has beep so liberally bestowed on the establishment for the l.is
/ifirm yrnr.. by visitants fro» all puffs of the world. For llvo raivenieocc o
iaUludinarim,, there s.ill be constaotly kept b the house Jlpifl^rentjii.i.ls.i
Mineral Waters produced in IhtJ nci^borbood. in a pore st»le.
will be choice and select, the most of thcio havtog been in tli
years. Several Lines of Daily Stjges stop at ttie above cstal
Coaches for parlies, or single bors^can at nil time- he h
As the ondersigned intends to mltc this place his pi

, LKJIUIUS

ll»._

PgtrmTsa-tsa-igg^ 1

i^l^nfrlUJtiTjiIm'j'ciisfreVstFsj^^™"*'*'"' ^""^ "' S*iafc.lf«rtrl,"r^

A Circular of 182.3.

were present, the great Kentucky commoner
delivering a memorable address to the stu-
dents in the afternoon, and Horace Greeley
speaking in the evening. Ex-President Tyler
was present at the commenceinent in 1850.
This school had a brief existence of three
vears.

The Sans Souci was again opened as a
hotel, and so continued until, in 1863, Rev. D.
W. Smith, of the Galway Ladies' Seminary,
purchased the property and removed his large
boarding school to Ballston Spa.

'The warm friendship existing between Henry
Clay and lohn W. Taylor made him a visitor at the
Sans Souci, and at the home of his friend, season
after season. One of these visits is mentioned in the
biographical sketch of Mr. Taylor.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTOX SPA

During the memorable Presidential campaign
of i860, in which he was a candidate for Presi-
dent, Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, on July 25th,
spoke briefly to a large assemblage from the

Ballston Spa House, erected 1805.

piazza of the Sans Souci. He was introduced
by Judge Scott, and began his remarks with
these wdrds : "I came not to make a political
speech, but to see this pleasant town, and i'>
visit the spot where my grandfather erected
his house seventy years ago." After con-
cluding his speech, and while the meeting was
in progress, the distinguished Senator walked
west over Front street to the Douglas house.
at that time known as "The Institute,'' a mill
tary school for boys.

Mr. George Smith purchased the property
in 1868, and re-opened it as a hotel, and it
was occupied as such until 1887, when the
property was purchased by Hon. Eugene F.
O'Connor of New York, and the fine old
building, still in good condition, much to the
regret of the entire village, was torn down to
make room for business blocks.

In 1804 the building now occupied by R.
L. Carter, undertaker, on Milton avenue, was
built by Mr. Low for the residence of the
proprietor of the Sans Souci, and also for
lodging guests; and in 1805 the Ballston Spa
House was built by Mr. Low and kept as an
all-year house, the Sans Souci closing after
the summer season. This hotel stood at the
corner of Milton avenue and Washington
street, the site now occupied by the building
of J. S. Wooley.

The Sans Souci barns and sheds were of

enormous size, and stood on the north side of
Washington street, directly in the rear of the
hotel, occupying all the ground between Mil-
ton avenue and Fenwick street, and north to
the present store of W. G. Ball & Co.

THE ALDRIDGE HOUSE.

This was the first large hotel. It was built
by Benajah Douglas in 1792. A few years
later it came into the possession of Joshua B.
Aldridge. The first season under his man-
agement, the house was continuously over-
crowded, and Mr. Aldridge immediately built
a large wing on the west, and another on the
north, for a dancing hall, more than doubling
the size of the house. On a pane of glass in
one of the windows of this hall, on a certain
festive occasion, Washington Irving, then a
guest, wrote his name with a diamond. This
glass is now in possession of Mr. Waterbury,
the owner of the Aldridge House, now called
"Brookside." This dancing hall in after years
was moved across the street, and remodeled
into the large double house in which Mr.
George M. Hoyt now resides. In a preceding
chapter Mr. Ilooth has charmingly told of the
life at "Aldridge's."

Built by Nicholas Low in 1804, now occupied by R. L. Carter.
THE .MC MASTER HOUSE.

This house was one of the popular houses
of the village. Built by Mr. Low in 1792,
James Merrill was its first landlord. In 1795,

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

tlie house passed into the hands of the Mc-
Master brothers. They built a large addition
on the south, the first floor being used for a
ballroom, with sleeping rooms above. In later
years this addition was removed a short dis-
tance south, and for some years past has been
the summer home of John E. Walker, of AX
bany.

The Sans Souci, Aldridge's and McMas-
ter's seem to have been the resort of the hon
ton, and to have attained a wide celebrit\ .
Their fame has been preserved in the writings
of their guests.

now, when the nights are becoming cold, the beds
are without curtains, and the bed-rooms barely
furnished. Mr. Brown,' an attorney and counsellor
here, and an e.xceedingly well informed man, is a
permanent boarder in the house.

"Both at Saratoga and at Ballston doors are
very generally left unlocked during the night. Shut-
ters to the windows are not common. Clothes are
left out to bleach during the night on the unen-
closed greens m the villages. On my wife's apply-
ing for a washerwoman two or three days ago to
wash some clothes, our landlady said that they
should be washed in the house, and that she would
get in a lady to assist. The lady, when she ap-
peared, turned out to be a lady of color. It will
not do here to talk of the lower classes: 'Send for

SANS SOUCI HOTEL IN" ISW.

Mr. James Stuart, an English traveller,
made a tour in the United States in 182S, vis-
iting Saratoga and Ballston. In his diary ap-
pears the following:

"On the 31st of October we changed our quarters
from Saratoga Springs to Ballston Spa, in a pleasant
situation in a hollow surrounded on all sides by
high grounds. The Kayaderosseras, a small river,
runs through the village, which contains 800 or
1,000 people.

"There are only two great hotels here, the 'Sans
Souci,' which is on the largest scale, and Mr. Al-
dridge's. There are several small hotels and board-
ing houses. The baths are as good as at Saratoga
Springs. We are in the boarding house of Mrs.
Macmaster, one of the most comfortable we have
seen in this country. The house is managed by
herself, two daughters and a little girl. Everything
good of its kind ; poultry, the best that we have
met with ; dinners well cooked, and coffee as well
prepared as by the best restaurants in the Palais
Royal. The charge, four dollars per week. Bui
this is not the gay season, when the rate is, of
course, greater.

"There rs nothing to find fault with, excepting that

that fellow, — order such a woman to come here.'
Language of that kind will not be tolerated by any
part of the community. The feeling of self-respect
exists almost universally.

"Soap and candles are very generally manu-
factured at home. Wax candles are much used
even in an ordinary boarding-house, and said to be
alinost as cheap as those made of tallow ; much
use is made in washing, of water run off wood
ashes.

"In the beginning of October the mornings be-
came frosty, and the ice occasionally of some thick-
ness, but the sun had great influence in the mid-
dle of the day. During the whole month we had
a cloudless sky and pure atmosphere — finer weather
than I ever before witnessed at this season. The
leaves of the trees began to change their colors
soon after the month commenced, and acquired at
different periods colors of such brilliancy and beau-
ty as are not to be seen in Britain. The maple be-

^\nson Brown, who afterward married one of
these "two daughters." He was an alumnus of
Union College, and was elected to Congress as a
Whig in 1838. His daughter. Miss Elizabeth Brown,
resides in Saratoga Springs.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

came of a fine scarlet, the hickory and walnut as
yellow as a crocus, and the sumach of a deep red
or scarlet. The appearance of an American forest
at this season is altogether superior in magnificence,
beauty and clearness of tint to any similar scene in
other countries.

"There is an Episcopal Church here. The clergy-
man [Dr. Babcock] has an establishment for edu-
cating young men."

The McMaster house stood at the corner of
Front and Court streets. It was destroyed by
fire June 21, 1855. In 1865 the village ac-

mire, surrounded by trees, stumps and logs.
This was the Ballston Spring. I observed two
or three ladies walking along a fallen tree to
reach the fountain, and was disgusted to see
as many men washing their loathsome sores
near the barrel. There was also a shower
bath, with no protection except a bower of
bushes. The largest number of visitors at one
period the past summer, had been ten or
twelve, and these were as many as could be
accommodated." In 1805 Mr. Watson again

An old Drawinjj. about 1815. The a'-tist omitted one story on the win>j of the Sans Souci in the foreground: and
also attempted to show both the McMaster and .\ldridge Houses at the end of Front street The Pavilion on the
hill back of the Aldridge House, and the long flight of steps leading up to it are clearly shown.

quired the property, removed the ruins, and
used the ground in straightening Front street,
which up to that time turned to the north at
the brow of the hill, - intersecting Charlton
street just north of the present Iron Spring.

OTHER HOTELS AND BO.VRDING HOUSES.

In 1787 Salmon Tryon built a small log
tavern at the corner of High and Ballston
streets, near the site now occupied by the
mansion of Mrs. Samuel Smith. In 1790,
Elkanah Watson writing of his visit to Balls-
ton in that year, says : "From Saratoga I
proceeded to Tryon's, a low, one-story tavern
on a hill in Ballston. At the foot of this hill
I found an old barrel with the staves open,
stuck into the mud in the midst of a quag-

visited Ballston. A marvellous change had
taken place as he recounts in his journal. This
will be found in connection with the Sans
Souci.

In the year 1792 Aaron Nash built a small
inn a short distance southeast of the public
well. Nash sold to Charles Cook in 1815, who
kept the inn for a few years and the property
later came into the hands of Joseph Jennings,
who greatly enlarged it, and named it the Mil-
ton House. Mr. Jennings kept the hotel until
a few years before his death, when he trans-
ferred it to his nephew, Hiram Jennings. Jo-
seph Jennings was Sheriff of Saratoga
County in the years 1835-36-37. He died
August 9, 1878, at the advanced age of 91
years. The brick cottage of Frank R. Wilson

stands on the site of this

hotel,

which was de-

stroyed by fire April 27, 1887.

Beginning in 1798 with the front part, and

8 v

■lllww

tjcmij, ijij

riU

^|ffl|

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Milton Ho

adding two wings in 1799 and 1800, Stephen
H. White, in 1801 completed his large board-
ing house, just east of the present residence
of F. T. Wheeler on West High street. Mr.

ments, and it became known as "Cory Castle."
It was destroyed by fire May 28, 1873.

About 1798 Samuel Weldon built a tavern
at the southwest corner of High and Ballston
streets, where the residence of Miss Martha
Looniis now stands. This was afterward for
many years the home of Reuben Wright, one
of Ballston's prominent citizens. The house
was destroyed by fire in 1889.

The Village Hotel (now Medbery's Hotel)
at the corner of Front and Spring streets, was
liuilt in 1804, and at first had a frontage of
■ inly twenty-five feet on Front street. In
1824 William Clark purchased the property,
and added another twenty-five feet to the ho-
tel on the west. He was succeeded by his son,
Nathaniel M. Clark, who added still another
twenty-five feet, giving the hotel its present
size. Nathaniel M. Clark sold to Stephen B.
Medbery in 1847, who kept the hotel for
more than thirty years. Mr. Medbery is Balls-
ton's oldest resident, being now in his 92d
year. He still retains all his faculties and a
good degree of physical strenth.*

H>, 1 L.L ;.ii.ijl_.i^KV-lSW-1907.

White died quite suddenly in 1808, and his The Mansion House of Archibald Kidd was

widow kept the house for many years. Mrs. built about 1806. It was for many years a

White married David Cory, and after her .j^^. j^gj^ery died in October, since this was

death, Mr. Cory changed the house into tene- written.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

very popular house, and is still standing on
Front street, just east of the railroad bridge,
and has long been known as the "American."

■or

Eagle Hotel in 18^0.

The Flint Hotel was west of Gordon creek,
and was probably the house since known as
the Boss house.

Clark's hotel was built about the same time,
probably a year earlier, and stood just where

was known as the Ball House. These hotels
and other buildings were burned in 1823. Mr.
Clark purchased the Village Hotel.

In 1808 J. Richie built a hotel on the north-
east corner of Alilton and Malta avenues, and
named it the W^ashington House. Farquhar
AIcBain, a prominent citizen, purchased the
house in 1815, and added to the hotel prop-
erty a grocery store. The hotel in later years
was known as Gleason's Hotel. The Lincoln
Hotel occupies the same site.

The first building on the site of the Eagle
Hotel was a blacksmith shop, built in 1812.
Messrs. Dake & Chatfield bought the shop and
fitted it up for a trading post and a printing
office. A few years later the building was
burned, and the Eagle Hotel erected on the
same site. James Ladow was the first land-
lord. This old hotel was thoroughly repaired
and refurnished throughout in May of the
present year, and is kept by the owner, Mr.
Charles D. Sickler.

EAGLE HOTEI, IN' lodv.

the north abutment of the railroad bridge over
Front street is located. Adjoining it on the
east were three buildings, two of which were
occupied as stores on the first floor, with
residences above. The building farthest west,
at the corner of Front and Charlton streets,

The Railroad House was built about 1835.
In 1866 Henry Harrison built a large hand-
some house on the site, and named it "Harri-
son Hotel." This house was at different times
known as the Peek Hotel, Commercial, Ameri-
can and Plaza. The house was burned in

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

1893. It stood where Heeney's Hotel is now
located on Bath street, opposite the Railroad
station.

The Union Hotel at the north-end, on the
corner of Milton avenue and South street, was
built by Paul Settle, and was opened in the
spring of i860, with Adam Wilbur as land-
lord.

The hotels built in recent years are the Hay-
ner House on Bath street, opened July 21,
1884, by Sherman Hayner; the Lincoln Hotel,
built by James Hackett in 1890; the Heeney
House on Bath street; St. Charles Hotel, Mil-
ton avenue, and Foss' Hotel at the north-end,
on Milton avenue.

THE CHURCHES.

BAPTIST CHURCH.

The mother of Baptist churches in this sec-
tion was the First Baptist Church of Stillwa-
ter. Members of that church were settled in
this vicinity and were recognized as a branch
or out-station as early as 1785. Frequent ref-
erence to the Ballstown Branch is to be found
in the records of the Stillwater church, prior
to 1791. Under date of December 10, 1785,
the following appears :

"We received a letter from the Ballstown Branch
that one of the brethren was turned to be a rum-
seller, and they desired help from the church. We
appointed some brethren to go over to their as-
sistance, and the brother was gained to our satis-
faction."

In 1 79 1 their records show a list of twenty-
four "Ballstown brothers and sisters who
have taken their letters to form a new church
at Ballstown Springs."

The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa
was organized in 1791 from this colony of
twenty-four members of the First Stillwater
Church. It was the first religious society in-
stituted in the village. At this early period
the church met from tiiue to time in the homes
of its members. In the year 1793, they se-
cured for the Sunday services a school-house
near the locality now known as the "V corn-
ners," about one mile south of the village. A
small tavern had been built at this point by
Micajah Benedict, and a small hamlet of some
half dozen houses had sprung up. In this
school-house the little company of believers
held "their services for ten years, their pulpit

being supplied from time to time by Rev. Mr.
Mudge and Rev. Elisha P. Langworthy.

In 1797 the church became a member of the
Shaftsbury Association under the name of
the Second Milton church, and reported that
year a membership of twenty. In 1798 there
were twenty-nine members; but in 1799, un-
der the powerful preaching and consecrated
efforts of Elias Lee, a revival of great inter-
est increased the membership to ninety-four.

In 1800 the church settled its first pastor,
Rev. Elias Lee, who came from the First
church at Troy. He continued to serve the
church with great acceptance for twenty-
eight years.

In 1802 the church was incorporated under
the laws of the State, and the following
year Elias Lee made a gift to the church of
a large lot, and a meeting-house was erected.
It stood in the northeasterly part of the pres-
ent village cemetery a little north of the
public vault. The pulpit in this meeting-house
is said to have been almost directly above the
place where Mr. Lee was buried. This was
the first house of worship erected in the
village.

In 1805. this church with twelve other Bap-
tist churches withdrew from the Shaftsbury
Association and organized the Saratoga Bap-
tist Association.

At this point ]\Ir. Booth, in his unpublished
history, says :

"Elias Lee as early as the year 1800 had
purchased the land now comprising the vil-
lage cemetery, and for some distance south
and westward on the Garrett road. He built
and resided in the old house yet standing on
that road, afterwards occupied by Aaron
Nash.' He was' a gunsmith by trade, but
being a inan of great piety and religious en-
thusiasm, and a constant student of the Bible,
he became a powerful and popular religious
preacher of the Baptist persuasion. Owing
to his efforts a large congregation of that de-
nomination was gathered together. On No-
vember 2, 1802, we find a record of a meeting
of the Baptists held 'at the school-house, their
tisual place of worship,' for the purpose of
legally incorporating their Society. William
Stilwell, Joseph Robinson, Nehemiah Seeley,

'The old red house which stood on the north side
of the Garrett road, a little west of Ballston street,
in later years occupied by James Newcomb.

THE CHURCHES OF BALLSTON SPA, 1907.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Elihu Roe and Jonathan Peckham were elect-
ed Trustees, and it was voted that the Society
should be known 'by the name and title of
the Baptist Church and Society of Ballston
Springs.' This deed of incorporation is
signed by Elias Lee, Elder, and William Stil-
well, deacon, and witnessed by John Blood
and Joseph Garrett.

"Elder Lee, by his personal contribution,'
and some little help from his congregation,
succeeded in erecting the first church edifice
in the village. It stood on the lot known as
the 'old burying ground,' in the present cem-
etery. It was built in 1803. In 1816 Nicholas
Low presented this congregation with a lot
nearer the inhabited portion of the village.
It was located on the east side of Science
street, where the railroad crosses that high-
way.' The church was removed to this site,
where it remained until after the railroad was
built, when the church finally located on the
present site, erecting their house of worship
here in 1835, on land purchased of the late
Stephen Smith. The trustees at the time of
the first removal were William Stilwell,
Hezekiah Middlebrook, Sen., John Ayrs,
Elihu Roe, Owen Sage and Simeon P. All-
cott."

The edifice mentioned above by Mr. Booth
was the large stone church which stood at the
head of Front street, and in which the Baptist
Society held its services for sixty years. The
last services in this church were held Sunday,
December 13, 1896.

The present church edifice, on the east side
of Milton avenue, between Van Buren and
Ford streets, is one of the finest in Northern
New York. It was dedicated December 20,
1896. The old church was taken down, and
its site is now occupied by the Manogfue busi-
ness block.

The pastorate of Elias Lee, the longest in
the history of the church, was marked by
special revivals in 181 1, when forty were bap-

*EIder Lee is said to have mortgaged his farm to
obtain the money necessary to complete the meeting-
house.

'Where the railroad water-tank now stands. The
deed is dated June 19, 1816, and is from Nicholas
Low to William Stilwell, Hezekiah Middlebrook,
Jr., Jnhn Ayrs, Elihu Roe, Oren Sage and Simeon
P. Allcott, trustees of Baptist Church of Ballston
Spa. The consideration is $1. The deed contains
the following provision : "Trustees allowed to con-
vey same to any religious denomination except Anti-
frinitarians."

tized, and in 1819 when sixty were baptized.
At his death in 1829 the church numbered 143.

The second name on the roll of pastors is
that of William E. Waterbury, who served
the church between 1830 and 1833.

Sylvester S. Parr became pastor November
I, 1833. His short pastorate of less than two
years was a season of continuous revival; 119
were baptized the first year, and 36 the
second.

In the letter of the church to the Saratoga
Baptist Association in 1835, we find the fol-
lowing:

"We have purchased a site for a new place of
worship, in the most central and eligible part of the
village, and design early ne.xt season to erect a
commodious and elegant stone building on the above
mentioned site, which we trust will be a birth-place
for souls, even after we who now fill the church are
dead. Wc have money enough, if we only had
hearts to use it, which we trust God is stirring us
up to do."

The corner-stone of this church was laid in
October, 1835. Rev. Sylvester S. Parr, was
pastor; Samuel R. Garrett, Barnabas Cross-
inan, Abram Middlebrook, Sylvester Blood,
Hiram Middlebrook, deacons; A. T. Davis,
clerk.

This meeting-house was for a number of
years the largest and finest in the county.
There were galleries on three sides, with the
pulpit at the rear of the church, a style just
then coming into vogue. The church would
accommodate nearly one thousand people.

Charles B. Keyes became pastor in Febru-
ary, 1836, and served the church fourteen
months.

Norman Fox became pastor March 26,
1838, and held that office nearly twelve years,
resigning October 21, 1849. This period
was the golden age in the spiritual prosperity
of the church. In 1839, 76 converts were
baptized ; and as the result of a still more
powerful revival in 1843, 138 were received
by baptism. It was at this time that the church
reached its high-water mark of 417 'mem-
bers. Some of the older members of the
church were wont to tell of that most memor-
able scene when on a beautiful Sabbath morn-
ing in the month of June, 1843, "Elder" Fox
gave the hand of fellowship to a large com-
pany of believers, more than one hundred in
number, recently baptized, the line of new
members extending from either side of the
pulpit to the outside aisles and completely

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

around the church. Air. Fox first entered the
legal profession, and was thrice elected to the
Assembly, in the years 1819, 1820, 1830. He
afterward studied for the ministry. Elder
Fox is buried in the village cemetery. A
plain white marble slab marks his grave, bear-
ing this inscription : "Norman Fox, born
Sept. 17. 1792, died Oct. 3, 1863." "My flesh
shall rest in peace."

Baptist Church— 1835.

Orrin Dodge became pastor March 24, 1850,
and closed his ministry November 8, 1851.

Joseph Freeman became pastor May i,
1852, and served just one year.

L. W. Hayhurst became pastor in Novem-
ber, 1853, and closed his ministry February
8, 1857.

The shortest pastorate was that of E. S.
Widdemer, which lasted but eight months,
from May 3, 1857. Mr. Widdemer after-
ward became a clergyman of the Protestant
Episcopal Church.

William Groom was called to the pastorate
from his studies at Rochester Theological
Seminary March 28, 1858. He was the first
pastor ordained by the church.

William O. Holman became pastor in 1862,
and served the church three years. This was
during the stirring days of the civil war, and
his intense patriotism was hardly excelled by
his zealous work for the church. October
25, 1863, Air. Holman preached a memorial
sermon for Elder Norman Fox, who died on
the third day of that month.

P. Franklin Jones served the church as
pastor from November, 1865 to May, 1867.

George W. Clark, D.D., became pastor
March i, 1868, and resigned June 25, 1873.

Elias H. Johnson, D.D., accepted the pas-
torate February 7, 1874, but retained the office
only about one year. Dr. Johnson a few years
later became one of the faculty of Crozer
Theological Seminary, where he remained un-
til his death in 1905.

Robert T. Jones was called to the pastorate
May I, 1875, at the close of his studies at
Colgate Seminary. He was ordained June
24, 1875. The temporary failure of his health
induced his resignation November 26, 1879.

William T. C. Hanna began his labors with
the church February i, 1880. His pastorate
extended over a period of a little more than
ten years. He resigned August i, 1890, to
become pastor of the Baptist church at Brad-
ford, Pa.

William T. Dorward succeeded to the pas-
torate December i, 1890, and served the
church until January 28, 1894.

Gove Griffith Johnson received a call to the
pastorate June 2, 1894, just at the conclusion
of his studies at Colgate Seminary. He was
ordained June 28, and served the church with
great acceptance for five and a half years, re-
signing the charge January i, 1900. It was
during his pastorate that the present beautiful
church was built, at a cost of $30,000. The
comer stone of the church was laid by Mr.
Johnson with impressive ceremonies in the
presence of a very large assemblage, on June
6, 1896, and the dedication of the house to

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

public worship was on Sunday, December 20,
of the same year, Rev. G. J. Johnson, D.D.,
father of the pastor, preaching the dedicatory
sermon.

An incident in connection with the laying
of the corner-stone is worthy of record. The
church officials desired to place in the corner-
stone of the new church the copper box and its
contents which were contained in the corner-
stone of the old church. A search for the
stone at the front corners of the church was
unavailing, when Miss Melinda Seeley, one
of the oldest living members of the church
made the remark that she knew the copper box
was there, for she remembered as a young
girl, seeing it placed in the corner-stone when
it was laid by the Masonic Lodge. Mr. Frank
R. Wilson, a mason by occupation as well as
a member of Franklin Lodge, who was
searching for the stone, immediately went to
the "north-east corner" at the rear of the
church, and in a few minutes took the old
corner-stone from the wall, and delivered ,it
with copper box and contents intact, to the
church officials. There is only one other in-
stance on record in Saratoga county where
the corner-stone of a church has been laid by
the Masonic fraternity.

The present fine edifice on "the flat," is a
grand memorial to one of the best loved and
most faithful pastors of this old Church So-
ciety.

As successor to Mr. Johnson, the church
again called a young man fresh from his
studies at Rochester Theological Seminary,
and on June 21, 1900. Arthur C. Baldwin
was ordained to the gospel ministry, the first
ordination in the new meeting-house. His
pastorate continued for nearly six years, end-
ing March 5, 1906. He was faithful and
zealous in the work of advancing all the in-
terests of the church.

Arthur B. Potter, the present pastor, was
installed May i, 1906.

From earliest days and until 1866, the or-
dinance of baptism was administered in the
waters of the Kayaderosseras. the Blue Mill
pond and the Red Mill pond. The record
states that "on Sunday, December 3, 1865,
Mary A. Garrett and Jane Fox McClew were
baptized in the Red Mill pond." '^he writer
recalls the occasion, and that the ice, several
inches in thickness, was removed for a con-

siderable space, to permit the ceremony. Jan-
uary 7, 1866, John Mcintosh, Joseph Morris,
Theresa Morris, Mrs. H. Middlebrook, Alice
Hubbell, Fanny Bartow and Ada Knox were
immersed in the new baptistry in the church,
the first time it was used. From that time
the beautiful custom of repairing to the water-
side for this solemn ceremony has given place
to the more convenient observance within the
sanctuary.

The history of this pioneer church of Balls-
ton Spa is a long and proud record of good
work faithfully performed. The present
church officers are : William L. Maxon, clerk ;
H. H. Ferris, S. H. Coons, R. N. Garrett, E.
R. Wooley, Wm. H. Sipperly, A. N. Wiley,
Thomas Green, Deacons ; H. H. Ferris, A. N.
Wiley, J. S. Wooley, W. H. Tibbetts, Lester
Streever, E. J. Briggs, Trustees.

The parsonage was a gift to the church
from Mrs. W. J. Parkinson, formerly Mrs.
Isaiah Blood. It is on the west side of Milton
avenue, between Ford and Prospect streets.

ELIAS LEE.

At the centennial of the church held Octo-
ber II, 1891, a biographical sketch of the first
village pastor was read by Rev. H. L. Grose,
in which he said :

"Elias Lee was born at Danbury, Connecticut, in
1765 ; he was schooled in the Danbury Academy,
and received for that time a liberal education. He
engaged in school-teaching for a time, and was
licensed by the Danbury Baptist Church 'to preach
the Gospel wherever his lot might be cast.' A
daughter of Elder Langworthy, Mrs. A. L. Crosby,
of Riverside, Illinois, says of Mr. Lee: 'He was
a student, and scholarly when compared with my
father and other ministers of that day. He was
regarded as a powerful preacher and a good man,
unexceptionable in his daily walk and conversation.'

"Mr. Lee was of fine presence, in stature above
the medium height, and well proportioned. When-
ever he began to speak every ear was open to the
pleasant tones of his musical voice ; a voice of great
strength and compass, which he modulated to suit
the occasion, so that in pulpit, in the court house,
in a school-house, in a barn, or in the open air, its
tones were rich, clear and silvery: never harsh and
shrill, even when loud enough to be heard at a
great distance. His hearers were always attentive,
because they knew he never, on any occasion, arose
to speak without having something valuable to com-
municate. Doctors, judges, lawyers, county officials
and resident representatives in the State Legisla-
ture and in Congress, were regular attendants upon
his ministrations in the first meeting-house of the
church. A stronger testimonial of his ability and
worth need not be sought. He was generous in his

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

care for the poor. He was rated in the coininunity
as among tlie wealthy of that day. and none were
permitted to exceed him in contributions to the
cause of Christ. The proof of this is in the fact
that he mortgaged one of his farms to obtain the
money wherewith to complete the first meeting
house. For many years he gave his services to the
•church free of all receipts from its treasury."

A plain slab of white marble marks the
grave of Mr. Lee in the village cemetery. It
bears this inscription : "Sacred to the mem-
ory of Elder Elias Lee, pastor of the Baptist
church at Ballston Spa, who died December
26th, 1828, in the 64th year of his age. 'They
that be wise shall shine as the brightness of
the firmament, and they that turn many to
righteousness as the stars forever and ever.'
Daniel ch. xii, v. 83."

ELISHA p. L.\NGWORTHY.

"Elder" Langworthy made his home in
Balls-town about the year 1790. He fre-
quently preached for the newly organized
Baptist church, but was not ordained to the
work of the ministry until December 18, 1800,
when he became the first pastor of the Bap-
tist church at Saratoga Springs.

Mr. Sylvester, in his history of Saratoga
county, says:

"His home was at Ballston Spa, and he often
came on foot to meet and preach to his people. In
the cold weather he came through the drifted snow,
and before going to the pulpit would shake hands
with every person present, and then, with overcoat
and mittens on, preach his sermon ; then have an
intermission, and after that another sermon ; and
then part with them, to meet on the next Sabbath.
In those days they had no stoves, and so did not
see fire from the time they left home until they
reached it again. A cold lunch was in order on
those wintry Sabbaths. The church was largely in-
creased under his labors."

It has been incorrectly stated that he
"was afterward settled over the church in
Ballston Spa." Elder Lang\vorthy was never
pastor of the church in this village. His home
was here all through his pastorate of nineteen
years in Saratoga. He was a neighbor and
contemporary of Elias Lee, who became pas-
tor in Ballston Spa a few months before Elder
Langworthy became pastor at Saratoga. He
died at his home in this village December 10,
1827, in the 61 st year of his age. Elias Lee
died the following December, and was pastor
here at the time of his decease.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The second church in Ballston Spa was St.
Paul's Episcopal, organized in 1810, Rev.
Joseph Perry, rector.

"Christ's church in balls-town."

As early as the Revolution a small society
of churchmen existed in the Ball-Town settle-
ment, but with no defined organization or
pastor. Shortly after the war their numbers

TiiIiiiiiiTicfmni i

^IlllllllllllJllllllUiiii

Episcopal Church hailt at Ballston Centre in 1V91. This
building was removed to Ballston Spa in l«17.

were increased, and in 1787, through the ef-
forts of a Missionary from St. Peter's church
at Albany, the parish of Christ Church was
organized by Thomas Smith, Ezekiel Horton,
James Einott, Edmund Jennings, James
Mann, Elisha Miller, Salmon Tryon, and
forty-two others. The same year the congre-
gation sent a letter to the Episcopal Convo-
cation held in Albany in June, requesting rec-
ognition. It was not until 1792, however, that
regular Sunday services were held. In 1791
the erection of a church edifice was com-
menced on the "middle line" road, a short

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

distance south of the present Presbyterian
church at Ballston Centre, and in the spring
of 1792, Rev. Ammi Rogers, the first settled
pastor of the church began his ministrations
in this building. He proved himself in the
earlier years of his priesthood a faithful and
zealous pastor, enterprising and untiring in
his labors for building up his church. In the
year 1796 he formed the parish of St. James,
at Milton Hill. The church stood near the
present school house. In 1842 the services of
this parish were discontinued, the members
uniting with Christ Church, Ballston Spa.

April 1st, 1793, a meeting was held in the
church in Balls-town, for the purpose of or-
ganizing under the statute of 1784 in regard
to religious societies. Ammi Rogers appeared
as Rector. Elisha Benedict and Joseph
Bettys, Sen., were chosen Wardens, and
Thaddeus Betts, John Wright, Joshua Bloore,
Jabez Davis, Richard Warn and James Emott,
Vestrymen. They organized under the style
and title of "The Church Wardens and
Vestrymen of Christ's Church in Ballstown."
The certificate is signed by Elisha Benedict
and Joseph Bettys, Sen., and witnessed by
Beriah Palmer and Gideon Putnam.

On the first day of September, 1793, the
church was consecrated to public worship ac-
cording to the rites of the denomination, by
the Rev. Samuel Provoost, the first Bishop
of New York. The letter asking consecra-
tion was signed, by order of the vestry, by
James Emott, their clerk, and witnessed by
Henry Walton.

Mr. Rogers was Rector of the parish until
1805, when he was succeeded by Rev. Fred-
erick Van Horn, and he in turn by Rev.
Gamaliel Thatcher, who died while in charge

ST. Paul's church.

As early as 1805, during the summer
months, Rev. Joseph Perry used to hold ser-
vices according to the Episcopal liturgy in
the village of Ballston Spa, for the benefit of
the numerous visitors at the Springs who
belonged to that persuasion, and June 18,
1810, we find them organizing under the
statute. Joshua B. Aldridge and Salmon Try-
on were chosen Wardens, and Epenetus
White, Jr., Samuel Smith, William H. Noble,
John Smith, Wright Tryon, Archibald Kidd,
William H. Bridges and Nathan Parker,

Vestrymen. The title of this congregation
was "The Rector, Wardens and Vestrymen
of St. Paul's Church in the village of Balls-
ton Spa," with the Rev. Joseph Perry, rector.
On the death of Rev. Gamaliel Thatcher,
rector of Christ Church, the pastor of St.
Paul's assumed charge of both churches. The
separate congregations maintained but a
feeble existence, and in 1817 it was deter-
mined to consolidate into one society, to be
located in the growing village of Ballston
Spa.

CHRIST CHURCH, BALLSTON SPA.

Mr. Nicholas Low presented them with a
lot on the south side of Front street, a little
east of the railroad bridge, and that year, un-
der the skillful direction of Epenetus White,
Jr., the building at Ballston Centre was
taken down, removed to the village, and erect-
ed on the Front street lot, the united congre-
gations occupying it under the title of "Christ
Church," the name that had been given to the
early church in Ballstown thirty years before.
The church was reopened with appropriate
services, and a sermon by Rev. Benjamin T.
Onderdonk, afterwards Bishop of New York,
from the text : "He loveth our nation and hath
built us a synagogue." The church was con-
secrated by Bishop John Henry Hobart, Aug-
ust II, 1818.

The first vestry of Christ Church, Ballston
Spa, was Joshua B. Aldridge and James
Mann, Wardens ; Epenetus White, Jr., Thomas
Palmer, Samuel Smith, Thomas Smith, Eli
Barnum and Daniel Starr, Vestrymen.

Rev. Joseph Perry, the first rector of
Christ Church, Ballston Spa, was succeeded
by Rev. John Gray, Jr., who remained but a
short time, and was followed by Rev. William
A. Clark about 1820.

In 1824 Rev. Deodatus Babcock accepted
the call to the rectorship, and served the
parish with great acceptance for more than
twenty years, resigning the charge March

25, 1845-

From 1845 to the present time the rectors
of the church have been: Revs. George J.
Geer, November 19, 1845 to November, 1852;
Robert C. Rogers, December 22, 1852 to May
I, 1855; Charles Arey, May 12, 1855 to De-
cember, 1857; George W. Dean, January, 1858
to September 9, 1864; George Worthington,

CENTEXNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

November lo. 1864 to August i, 1868; Joseph
Carey, August 25, 1868 to Noviember 11,
1873; Walter Delafield, July 2, 1874 to Feb-
ruary II, 1883; Charles Pelletreau, April i,
1884 until his death on July 20, 1903 ; J. Win-
throp Hegeman, September 22, 1903. the pre-
sent rector.

During the rectorship of Rev. George W.
Dean the congregation decided to build a new-
church edifice. With wise forethought, the
church, in 1S35. purchased a valuable lot on
the corner of High .street and Church avenue,
and a few years later built a rectory on the
property. Plans for a beautiful gothic struc-
ture were made by Rev. Charles Babcock, son
of the former pastor, Deodatus Babcock, and
on October 5, i860, the corner-stone of the
new church was laid by the Rev. Horatio Pot-
ter, Provisional Bishop of the Diocese, as-
sisted by Rev. Dr. Francis Vinton, of Trinity
Church, New York City, who delivered the
address on the occasion, and other clergymen.
Rev. Dr. Babcock read a historical sketch of
the church which was deposited in the corner-
stone, with a copy of the Holy Scriptures, the
Book of Common Prayer, and a list of the
communicants and officers of the parish.

The edifice was completed in March, 1862,
at a cost of $11,000, and "the congregation
took a sorrowful leave of the hallowed walls
within which they and their fathers had so
often gathered. There the children of suc-
cessive generations had been baptized. There
for many years the people had worshiped 'the
Lord in his Holy Temple.' From its sacred
altar the dead had been borne forth to burial,
the sad refrain of mortality, 'ashes to ashes,
dust to dust,' relieved by the glorious words
of Christian hope, 'I am the resurrection and
the life.' The congregation moved from the
old to the new, praying that the glory of the
former house might descend on the latter. The
old edifice was taken down after a few years,
its oaken frame still sound as when it came
from the hewer's axe, fit representative of the
solid men of old, who laid the foundations of
our civil and religious institutions."

As an evidence of early genuine Christian
friendship it should be added that the old
bell which so long called the faithful to the
House of God, was a gift from the North
Pearl Street Dutch Reformed Church of Al-
bany. It was cast in Holland, and bears the

ancient inscription; "Benj. Whitear, Sharon
in 1774. This bell is made for the High Jar-
mon Reformed church, Albani." This bell
was hung in the belfry of the new church, and
was used until 1880, when, during the pastor-
ate of Rev. Walter Delafield, a larger and
more powerful bell took its place. The new
bell bears this inscription: "Christ Church,
Ballston Spa, Easter Sunday, March 28, 1880.
'I am the resurrection and life, saith the
Lord.' " The old bell now hangs in the tower
of the Parish House.

Dr. Dean resigned in 1864, having accepted
the chair of Professor of Greek and Latin in
Racine College, Wisconsin. At the time of
his death he was Chancellor of All Saints Ca-
thedral, Albany, and Alumni Professor of the
Evidences of Revealed Religion in the General
Theological Seminary, New York. He was
a man of eminent learning, and so regarded
bv all his colleagues in the ministry, who often
spoke of him as "a living encyclopedia." Like
most learned men he was very modest. Dr.
Dean died March 29, 1887, and is buried in
the village cemetery.

It was during the pastorate of Rev. Dr.
Geer that the first pipe organ was placed in
a Ballston church. Dr. Geer was a cultivated
musician, and through his eflforts the fine old
organ which did such splendid servnce for
half a century, was placed in Christ Church
by E. & G. Hook of Boston, August 10, 1850.
Dr. Geer also established the Parish School.

The church was consecrated in June, 1867,
the services occupying two days. The Ball-
ston Journal of June 15 gave this account of
the occasion :

"The fine edifice of Christ Church, in this village
was consecrated to religious services last Tuesday
morning by Rev. Horatio Potter, D.D., LL.D.,
Bishop of this Diocese. A large number of clergy-
men were in attendance and participated in the
solemnities of an occasion which drew together
many people, not merely as spectators, but as devout
worshippers. Eighteen persons were confirmed,,
among them Rev. Mr. Allen, formerly a Presby-
terian minister at Ballston Centre. The evening
sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Geer, of New
York, formerly Rector of this church. Wednesday
morning the Northern Missionary Convocation held
a session, sermon by Rev. C. F. Robertson, of
Malone. In the evening several addresses were
made by clergymen from different places, thus clos-
ing an occasion of unusual interest to churchmen.
The sermons of Bishop Potter and Dr. Geer were
worthy of their fame, and the music by the quartette
choir was the admiration of the assembly and of

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

the clergy especially. Their praise was well de-

In 1873 the church purchased the State
Armorv building on High street, opposite the
church, and fitted it up as a Parish House.
The second floor is occupied by the Sunday

School.

The present rectory, a modern cottage of
fine architectural design, was erected in 1884,
at a cost of $6,500.

The Centennial of the church was observed
in July, 1887. On Sunday, July 3, the ser-
vices were of a commemorative character, the
rector preaching a historical sermon. The
services were continued on the following Wed-
nesday and Thursday, a large number of the
clergy being present. Bishop Potter, of New
York, and Bishop Doane, of Albany, preach-
ing the sermons.

The longest pastorate in the history of the
church was that of Rev. Deodatus Babcock,
covering a period of more than twenty years.
In addition to his parochial duties, Dr. Bab-
cock from the first had a classical school for
young men, and after his resignation of the
rectorship, he established the Ballston Spa In-
stitute, associating two sons in the enterprise.
This school is mentioned elsewhere. Dr. Bab-
cock continued to reside in Ballston Spa until
his decease on February 2, 1876, at the age of
85 years. .

Rev. Charles Pelletreau was next m length
of service, with a pastorate of nearly twenty
years. In 1901, largely through his perse-
vering efforts, the chancel was greatly en-
larged, and the entire interior of the church
greatlv beautified. The old organ was remod-
eled, and some additions made, but the changes
not proving satisfactory, a new organ was m-
stalled in December, 1904.

Rev. Walter Delafield was rector for nme
years, and these three pastorates represent a
period of half a century, and more than one-
half of the life of Christ Church, Ballston

Spa.

Rev. George Worthington came to this
church from Troy, a young man assuming for
the first time the duties of Rector. His short
pastorate of less than four years was a pros-
perous period in the church life. The debt on
the church was paid, the church consecrated,
and the societv greatly strengthened through
his ministrations. He was an eloquent
preacher, and the house was filled at all the

Sunday services. A call to the large parish
of St. John's Church, Detroit, was accepted,
and not only the church, but the entire com-
munity felt that they had sustained a great
loss with the departure of Rector Worthing-
ton. While Rector of St. John's, he was
chosen Bishop of Nebraska, and is still dis-
charging the duties of that Bishopric.

This sketch would be incomplete if it did
not make especial mention of two devoted
laymen of the church:

James W. Horton, who was Clerk of Sara-
toga County for thirty-nine years, a very un-
usual record, served this church as one of its
officers for a still longer period. He was a
member of the vestry for fifty years, and for
twenty-eight years Senior Warden, occupying
that position at the time of his decease in
1885. The beautiful triple window in the
chancel of the church is an eloquent mernorial
of his worth as a citizen, and of a faithful
and earnest Christian life..

Stephen B. Medbery, a brother-in-law of
Mr. Horton, became a member of the church
in early life. He was a member of the choir
for many years. He has been a member of the
vestry for sixty years, and the Senior War-
den for the last twenty-seven years. He is
now in his ninety-second year. His son, Ste-
phen C. Medbery, is Junior Warden.

Of the former Rectors of Christ Church
only two are living. Bishop Worthington and
Rev. Dr. Joseph Carey, rector of Bethesda
church, Saratoga Springs.

Rev. J. Winthrop Hegeman, the present
Rector, is now in his fourth year of service.

The following are the present officers of the
church: Stephen B. Medbery,* Stephen C.
Medbery, Wardens; James W. Verbeck,
Charles O. McCreedv, Frederick J. Wheeler.
David L. Wood, Herbert C. Westcot, Samuel
Smith, William G. Ball and Charles M.
Brown, Vestrymen.

Historical Note. — Some confusion has
arisen as to the chronological order of or-
ganization of the earliest religious societies,
caused by the centennial observed by Christ
Church in 1887. This was the centennial of
the first Episcopal Church in Saratoga county,
organized in the town of Ballston in 1787 un-
der the name of "Christ's Church in Balls-

*Mr. Medbery died in October, 1907, since this
history was written.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

town." The earliest religious societies in the
town of Ballstown were: Presbyterian, 1771 ;
Baptist, 1785; Episcopal, 1787. The earliest
church organizations in the village of Ballston
Spa were: Baptist, 1791 ; St. Paul's, Episco-
pal, 1810. St. Paul's and Christ's Church in
, Ballstown were dissolved in 1817, and both
societies united in the present society known
as "Christ Church, Ballston Spa." This
church may enjoy the unique pleasure of hold-
ing another centennial celebration within its
consecrated walls in 1917.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The First Presbyterian Church of Ballston
Spa was formed in 1834 by a colony from the
old Ballston church and some others. The
number who composed the church at its or-
ganization was sixty-six. The services were
first held in the court room of the old Court
House, the Rev. James Wood, "a man of love-
ly spirit, ministering to the young church" as
a stated supply until September, when- Samuel
Irenaeus Prime was engaged as a supply for
six months, and the following June, 1835, was
ordained and installed — the first pastor of the
church.

The first trustees were Moses Williams,
James Comstock, Edward W. Lee, Christo-
pher Earl, Jonathan S. Beach and Philip H.
McOmber. They purchased the present site
of the church from Harvey Loomis, paying
therefor $800.

The present church edifice was erected in
1835, though not its present size, about twenty
feet having been added to the eastern end.
and the tall spire built, in 1857, during the
pastorate of Rev. David Tully.

The pastors and stated supplies of the
church have been :

James Wood, stated supply in 1834.

Samuel Irenaeus Prime, ordained and in-
stalled June 3, 1835.

Albert T. Chester, ordained and installed
October 26, 1836.

Daniel Stewart, installed June 7, 1840.

Rev. Mr. Shumway, stated supply.

George T. Todd, installed March 29, 1845.

Nathaniel Scudder Prime (father of Samuel
I. Prime, stated supply from June 4, 1847 to
December, 1849, when he retired in feeble
health.

Richard H. Steele, installed June 27, 1850.

N. B. Ivlinck, ordained and installed Feb- 1
ruary 21, 1854. '<

David Tully, installed November 24, 1855. \
Dismissed to a church in New Jersey, Janu-
ary I, 1867.

Stephen Matoon, installed March i, 1867. '
Resigned December 20, 1869, to accept the
Presidency of Biddell University, South Caro- j
lina.

Samuel A. Hayt, Jr., installed July 8, 1870.

David Murdock, installed August, 1877.

A. R. Olney, D. D., installed October 7,
1881.

Henry L. Teller, installed March 29, 1893.

Arthur T. Young, installed March 15, 1904.
Present pastor.

The longest pastorates have been those of
Dr. Olney, 11 years and 3 months; Dr. Tully,
II years and i month; H. L. Teller, 10 years;
Dr. Hayt, 7 years.

Rev. Dr. Tully was Chaplain of the 77th
Regiment (Bemis Heights Battalion), New
York Volunteers, during the War of the Re-
bellion.

In its fiftieth year extensive improvements
were made to the interior of the edifice, and a
semi-centennial service was held on Sunday,
June 6, 1885. At the morning service Dr.
Prime preached the sermon, and was assisted
in the service by Rev. Dr. Chester, of Buffalo,
N. Y., the second pastor of the church, and
Rev. A. R. Olney, the pastor. In the evening
the Baptist and Methodist congregations
united in the service. In the pulpit were Rev.
W. T. C. Hanna, pastor of the Baptist church.
Rev. W. H. Wasburne, pastor of the Metho-
dist church, Rev. H. A. Lewis, pastor of the
Ballston Centre church, Rev. A. R. Olney and
Dr. Chester, who preached the sermon. All
the pastors of the church were living at this
time, and the church numbered 245 members.

At the morning service Dr. Prime took for
his text the tenth verse of the twenty-fifth
chapter of Leviticus: "Ye shall hallow the
fiftieth year." A more interesting history of
the church and of its first pastor cannot be
given than is to be found in this sermon. Af-
ter stating some facts in relation to the or-
ganization of the church, the names of the
pastors, and of the first trustees and elders,
Dr. Prime said, in part:

"In the autumn of the year 1834 I came one
evening to the village of Ballston Spa, and took
lodgings for the night at the Sans Souci Hotel.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

There was not at that time a person in the village
or town whom I had ever seen before. I brought
with me a letter of introduction from the Rev. James
V. Henry, a former pastor of the old church at
Ballston Centre, to Henry Doolittle, an elder of the
newly formed church in the village. Mr. Watrous,
the proprietor of the Sans Souci, the next morn-
ing gave me the directions, and taking the railroad
track as my guide, I walked down until I came
to the cross-road which led me to the house of
Mr. Doolittle. I was then nearly twenty-two
years old, and being very juvenile in appearance,
must have impressed him at once with the idea
that I might well have tarried in Jerusalem until
my beard was grown. We passed an hour or
two in conversation, and then proceeded to visit
families of the congregation. The next day I
preached twice in the Court House, where the peo-
ple were then worshipping. In the evening of that
day I attended a prayer meeting in one of the other
congregations, and heard an extraordinary ex-
hortation from a colored woman who was celebrated
for her vocal powers and fluency of speech. The
next morning before nine o'clock I had made an
engagement to supply the pulpit for six months, on
a salary at the rale of $500 a year. At the expira-
tion of that time I received a call to take the pas-
toral charge, and was ordained and installed June 3,
1835. The services were held in the Court House.

"When the Presbytery of Albany were here as-
sembled for my ordination, leave was given me to
visit any of the churches for the purpose of solicit-
ing donations towards building a church for this
congregation. A subscription had been commenced
among the people and about half the required sum
had been secured. Armed with the recommendation
of the Presbytery I started on my tour, not doubt-
ing that I should in a few weeks raise the money.
My first visit was to the largest rural congregation
in the Presbytery. Having made my argument and
appeal, I could not refrain from looking over the
round pulpit, at whose edge I was sitting, to see
how the money would flow into the plates as the
collection was taken. The first man put in a large
copper cent. The second man put in a large cop-
per cent. I saw no more. The collection amounted
to eleven dollars and a few cents. I returned to
Ballston Spa the next day, called the officers to-
gether, told them the tale of the two cents, and in-
formed them th:it I had finished my career as a
beggar. If there was any more money raised abroad
they would raise it. The subscription was renewed,
and each man gave half as much as he had previously
given ; the house was built, the pews were sold, and
the whole cost was paid. But for those two cents
you might have been in debt to this day.

"The first elders of the church, all of whom were
in office when I came were Henry Doolittle, David
Cory, Samuel Benton, Jonathan McBride and Isaac
N. Beach. These were men of decided individuality;
no two of them were alike, yet they were all good
men, all loved this church as they loved an only
child, and all gave time and labor most freely to it.
The aflfection which they showed to me, their boy
pastor, was something wonderful. They bore me

on their hearts, and would have carried me back
and forth to church in their arms if it had been
needful. Instead of going on with this discourse, I
would like to spend an hour in relating anecdotes
of these venerable men, illustrating their gifts, graces
and peculiarities. But that would be more enter-
taining than edifying.

"That first year of my ministry was one of great
spiritual enjoyment and progress. The elders of
the church and some others were enthusiastic in
Christian work, and several days every week were
given to visiting from house to House, with lectures
and prayer meetings in the evening. It did not
seem to me that there was any danger of my break-
ing down, but in less than a year I was used up.
The church building, of which I laid the corner
stone in the early summer, was completed in the
autumn and dedicated. I left the village the next
day. After an absence of six months, when no pros-
pect of good health appeared, I resigned the pas-
torate, and was dismissed by the Presbytery.

"After leaving Ballston I took charge of the
Academy at Newburgh. Then I became pastor of the
church in Matteawan, where I remained three years.
Again total failure of health compelled me to
abandon the pulpit. I wrote to my father that I
must give up preaching, and he sent back this com-
forting message : 'God help you, my son, you are
fit for nothing else.' But in the spring of 1840 I
became one of the editors of the New York Ob-,
server, where, with the exception of a brief interval,
I have continued to the present time, covering a term
of forty-five years.

"I have from the beginning of the half century
set one single object before my mind as the grand
purpose of life; it has governed my whole being,
moral, intellectual and spiritual ; it has absorbed
my aflfections; stimulated my ambition; exhausted
my energies ; taxed my faculty of invention ; rising
early and sitting up late; in travel abroad and study
at home ; in public and private, in pulpit and the
press, I have had this as my single purpose, and
the chief end of life: not to win wealth or fame, but
to be useful. Alas, and again alas ! that there is
so little to show for it, and this half century has
come so far short of the good purposes with which
it was commenced."

The closing words of the sermon were
spoken with great pathos, thrilling the audi-
ence, and visibly affecting the speaker him-
self. And how prophetic his words in speak-
ing of the former members of the church.
Stepping from behind the desk, and advanc-
ing to the edge of the platform, Dr. Prime
said:

"I have lived to be the longest in service of any
editor of a secular or a religious newspaper in the
city of New York. Of the Presbytery of New York
into which I was received in 1840, I am the sole sur-
vivor to-day. The ministers with whom I was early
associated in Christian work, and with some of

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALl.STON SPA

whom I formed the warmest friendships, are all with
the prophets before the throne.

"We a little longer wait,
But how little none can know."

"The remnant of life, be it long or short, shall
be his, to whom Father, Son and Holy Spirit shall
be glory in the Church throughout all ages.

"There is a strange sensation as I finish these
remarks ; the people to whom I ministered fifty
years ago are not here; they may be listening within

The Samuel Irenaeus Prime Memorial Window.

the veil ; I see them not, but 1 shall see them again I
Who is this coming up out of the wilderness, lean-
ing on her beloved! It is the Church, the bride,
the Lamb's wife — the sixty-six of the year 1835.
O ! thou art fair, my love, my dove, my undefiled ;
beautiful as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem: the king
shall greatly desire tliy beauty, and thou shalt stand
before Him not having any spot, or wrinkle or any
such thing, for thy light has come, and the glory
of the Lord has risen upon thee !"

Dr. Prime became one of the leading men
of the Presbyterian denomination. He also
achieved distinction as an editor and as an
author. His first sermons were to this con-
gregation, and his sermon on this anniversary

occasion was ahnost his last. The following
Sunday he preached in the Second Presbyte-
rian Church, Saratoga Springs. This was his
last sermon. He died quite suddenly a few
weeks later, on July 18, at Manchester, Vt.,
aged 73 years. He was born in the old par-
sonage at Ballston Centre, November 4, 1812;
graduated at Union College in 1829, and at
Princeton Theological Seminary in 1833. He
married Aliss Elouisa Williams, a daughter of
Moses Williams, of this village, during his
pastorate here.

In October, 1886, a beautiful memorial win-
dow was placed in the church, back of the
pulpit, by Mrs. Prime, in remembrance of her
deceased husband. The window represents
the "Resurrection," after a famous etching by
Albert Durer, the great German artist of the
14th century. It is ten feet by six feet in di-
mensions, the figure of Christ being nearly life
size. Beneath the figure are the words of the
text of Dr. Prime's last sermon: "Blessed
are the pure in heart,' for they shall see God."
The window is one of the largest and finest
ever executed by the Tiffany Company, of
Xew York. Its cost was $3,000.

About 1855, Mr. Samuel H. Cook, a promi-
nent member of the church, established a Sun-
day School in a small building near his cotton
factory on the Island, of which he was the
Superintendent, the teachers coming from
this church. In 1861, the school having out-
grown its quarters, Mr. Cook built a large
chape! on Milton avenue for the school. Af-
ter the removal of Mr. Cook to Albany, in
1866, the school was merged with the Sunday
School of the church, and during the pastor-
ate of Mr. Hayt the Sunday School and prayer
meetings were transferred to the Chapel,
where they have since been held. The present
chapel, on the site of the Cook chapel, was
built during the pastorate of Dr. Olney.

The present officers of the church are : J.
S. L'Amoreaux, Wm. Clement, P. A. Gil-
christ, Jacob Gervin, E. T. McClew, Chas. H.
Streever, Elders: J. S. L'Amoreaux, David
Lewis, Augustus Raymond, A. I. Thayer, H.
C. Reynolds, F. J. Rooney, Trustees.

The parsonage is on the south side of High
street, No. 76, two doors west of the County
Clerk's office. It was purchased by the soci-
ety March 10, 1856.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The itinerant system of the Methodist
Church in olden times was a most efficient
method of pioneer organization, and doubtless
the "circuit rider," with his saddle-bags well
supplied with bibles, testaments and religious
tracts, and ready to hold a preaching or a
prayer service, or to deliver an earnest ex-
hortation whenever the opportunity offered,
followed closely on the trail of the first set-
tlers in this wilderness country. Of the work
accomplished in the earliest years in this im-
mediate locality, no record has been preserved,
and it has been well said that "efforts to com-
pile the early history of the Ballston Spa
church recall the words of the Samaritan wo-
man at the well, when she said: 'Sir, thou
hast nothing to draw with, and the well is

deep.'" ^ ^ .

The first record of the Saratoga bprmgs
Circuit is in the year 1791. There is no rec-
ord of the Ballston Spa Circuit until 1823,
when Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa were
together in one Circuit, but as Ballston during
the greater part of this period was a larger
town than Saratoga, there can be no doubt
that David Kendall, the pastor in charge, in-
cluded Ballston Spa in his circuit, and organ-
ized "classes" and held services here, although
no record is to be found. In 1823 William An-
son and Elisha P. Jacobs were preachers in
charge of the Saratoga Springs and Ballston
Circuit.

July 6, 1836, a number of Methodists met at
the Court House and organized a society un-
der the name of the "First Methodist Episco-
pal Society of Ballston Spa. N. Y." They
elected Rev. Henry Stead, Calvin Calkins,
Samuel Hicks. Ebenezer Jones. Clement
Patchin, Roswell Clark and Asa Beach as the
first board of trustees.

For some years prior to this time, the in-
habitants of the village and of the surround-
ing country, of the Methodist persuasion, had
been worshipping in "The Academy" on
Galway street. The newly organized church,
which ' numbered eighteen members, in the
month of August, bought "The Academy'
building and removed it to a lot purchased of
Reuben Westcot, at the corner of High and
Charlton streets. This building was occupied
by the Society until the year 1845. when a
new church was erected on Milton avenue, on

the site of the present church. The old build-
ing was sold to the Catholic Society.

The Ballston Spa charge continued as a part
of the Saratoga Springs Circuit vmtil 1840,
when the Greenfield and Ballston Circuit was
formed, with D. Poor, J. P. Foster and J. Har-
wood as preachers. This Circuit continued
one year. In June, 1841, the Malta and Balls-
ton Spa Circuit was formed, including East
Line, Malta Ridge, Eddy's Corners, ^Court

Methodist Church erected in 1845.

House Hill and Ballston Spa, wi^th Joel
Squires, preacher in charge, Richard T. Wade,
assistant, and William Anson, superannuate.
In the spring of 1842. Rev. Elias Crawford,
one of the Circuit preachers, became a resi-
dent of Ballston Spa. He was the first Meth-
odist minister to make his home here. In 1843
Mr. Crawford and Elias Noble, were the
preachers in charge, and in 1844 Rev. Cyrus
Meeker was appointed preacher in charge of
the Circuit.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

In the autumn of 1844 the church decided
to build a house of worship on Milton avenue.
At the annual meeting in 1845, for some rea-
son which does not appear, the entire board of
trustees resigned. A new board was elected,
consisting of R. R. Kennedy, J. D. Hodgman,
P. H. McOmber, Z. H. Cook, Arnold Harris,
Jonathan S. Beach and James W. Horton. Of
these P. H. McOmber, Arnold Harris and
Jonathan S. Beach were Presbyterians, and
James W. Horton a Senior Warden of Christ
(Episcopal) Church, but they consented to
act as Trustees of the Methodist Church. The
new church was completed and dedicated the
same year. Rev. Jesse T. Peck, D. D., preach-
ing the dedicatory sermon.

In 1848 H. L. Starks was appointed preach-
er in charge, and H. Williams, assistant.

In 1849 two preachers were appointed to
the Circuit, Revs. H. L. Starks and R. Griffin.

At the annual meeting of the Troy Confer-
ence in 1850, the Ballston Spa Church was
made an independent station, and Rev. John
Barnard was assigned to the pastorate. The
church at this time had a membership of 103,
and 12 probationers, and a Sunday School of
forty scholars.

From this time, 1850, down to the present,
1907, the pastors of the church have been :

Thomas Lodge, 1851.
Jacob Leonard, 1852 to 1854.
Timothy Benedict, 1854 to 1856.
N. G. Axtell, 1856 to 1858.
Washington I. Pond, 1858 lo 1859.-
Hannibal H. Smith, 1S59 to 1861.
Robert Fox, 1861 to 1863.
James M. Edgerton, 1863 to 1866.
O. J. Squires, 1866 to 1868.
Rodman H. Robinson, 1868 to 1871.

D. P. Hulburd, 1871 to 1872.
B. B. Loomis, 1S72 to 1875.

In 1875 George W. Brown became pastor,
and during liis second year he was transferred
to the Central Illinois Conference, and Rev.
R. H. Robinson filled out the year. Dr. Rob-
inson continued as pastor until 1879.

Heniy W. Slocum, 1879 to 1880.

John H. Coleman, 1880 to 1882.

George A. Barrett, 1882 to 1883.

William H. Washbume, 1883 to 1886.

E. P. Stevens, 1886 to 1889.
Joseph Zweifel, 1889 to 1892.

J. C. Russum, 1892 to 1895.
Charles L. Hall, 1895 to 1898.
W. W. Cox, 1898 to 1901.
Milford H. Smith, 1901 to 1906.
Henry S. Rowe, 1906. Present pastor.

During the closing year of the pastorate of
Rev. J. M. Egerton the greatest revival in the
history of the church occurred. The revival
began with the coming of the "Troy Praying
Band," a company of devoted Christian lay-
men of Troy and Albany, organized by Joseph
Hillman for religious work, and for many
years a great power in the Troy Conference.
The "Praying Band" conducted the services
every evening for two weeks or more, the
church, with its large galleries on three sides,
being crowded at every service. More than
two hundred professed conversion and the
work continued into the next pastorate. The
audience room of the church was repaired and
greatly beautified during this pastorate, Mr.
Edgerton, who was not only a good preacher,
but a fine artist, doing the frescoing and deco-
rating in a masterly style.

The church was enlarged in 1868 by the ad-
dition of twenty feet at the rear, to accommo-
date the constantly increasing congregation,
the membership at this time being reported as
268; probationers, 26; Sunday School, 237.

In 1872, the first year of the pastorate of
Rev. B. B. Loomis, a parsonage was built ad-
joining the church on the north and rear. At
the close of his pastorate, Mr. Loomis re-
ported 315 members and loi probationers.

In the winter of 1882, the pastor. Rev.
George A. Barrett, united with Revs. A. R.
Olney of the Presbyterian church and W. T.
C. Hanna, of the Baptist church, in a series of
union services, which resulted in a great re-
ligious awakening, and large numbers were
added to each of the three churches. Pastor
Barrett also succeeded in paying off the
churcli debt, and the property was freed from
all incumbrances for the first time since the
church was built in 1845.

In the second year of the pastorate of W. H.
Washburne, Hon. George West built a chapel,
for Sunday School and othen services, on
South street, and presented it as a gift to the
church. Sunday School and week-day ser-
vices have been held regularly in this chapel
to the present time. At this time the total
membership was reported as 425.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

In the last year of Mr. Zweifel's pastorate,
the project of a new church edifice was start-
ed, and through his efforts $6,500 were
pledged, Hon. George West agreeing to pay
one dollar for every dollar paid by the rest of
the people, provided that the society would
raise at least $10,000. In 1892 Rev. J. C. Rus-
sum became pastor, and taking up the work
where Mr. Zweifel left it, he carried it
through to ultimate success.

The last services were held in the old.
church on Sunday, September 11, 1892, and
the next day the work of demolishing the
building at'.d the parsonage was begun. While
the new church was building, the congrega-
tion worshipped in Odd Fellows' Hall. The
corner-stone of the new edifice was laid Oc-
tober 19, 1892, and on Sunday, December 17,
1893, the dedication took place. At the morn-
ing service Bishop John P. Newman preached
the dedicatory sermon, and in the evening Rev.
John H. Coleman, a former pastor, was the
preacher. In a history of the church com-
piled by Rev. M. H. Smith, he says: "The
building of this large and beautiful church
was made possible through the large-hearted
generosity of Hon. George West. His sub-
scription, which covered one-half of the entire
cost was more than paid." The total cost was
about $30,000.

Mr. West died in 1901, the first year of the
pastorate of Rev. Milford H. Smith. In his
will, executed September 11, 1893, when the
new church was approaching completion, he
bequeathed to the Methodist Society the sum
of $5,000, in trust, the interest to be applied
to church and Sunday School expenses. Mr.
Smith continued as pastor for five years, and
was the first and only pastor who has served
continuously for more than three years.

Rev. Henry S. Rowe is the present pastor,
and is now serving his second year.

The parsonage of the church is on Malta
avenue. No. 126, and was also a gift to the
church from Hon. George West, who pur-
chased the property in 1896, placed it in com-
plete repair, and deeded it to the church for a
consideration of one dollar. The cost of the
property was about $5,000.

The present trustees afe M. J. Esmond, R.
L. Carter, C. H. Brownell, Fred Armer, C. E.
Foote, Secretary.

ST. mark's church.

The first Catholic service held in the vil-
lage was probably the celebration of mass
more than a century ago in the ball-room of
the Sans Souci, by Archbishop Carroll, the
first bishop of America, who was a visitor
here. After that there is no record until 1834,
when Father Kelly, a brother of Eugene Kelly,
a banker of New York City, celebrated mass
in Ballston Spa.

From 1834 to 1840 Rev. Father Peter Hav-
ermans, of Troy, visited the Catholic families
residing in this locality, holding the services
of the church at their houses. June 2nd, 1840,
he purchased from Samuel Hides a plot of
ground on Ballston street, adjoining the vil-
lage cemetery on the south, for a burying
ground, and it was consecrated with the cus-
tomary rites of the church.

Father Havermans continued his pastoral
visits, and when, in 1843, R^v- Father An-
thony Farley was made the first pastor of St.
Peter's parish at Saratoga Springs, he also
made occasional visits to this village, holding
services in the homes of the few Catholics
then residing here.

March 10, 1847, Father Havermans pur-
chased the old Academy building at the corner
of High and Charlton streets, which had been
removed to that location and remodeled into
a meeting-house in 1836 by the Methodist So-
ciety. This purchase was brought about
largely through the efforts of Mrs. Spaulding,
a wealthy Baltimorean who was living in the
town of Ballston, near the present Henry Har-
rison farm. Mrs. Spaulding collected some
money from the few Catholics residing in the
town and village, giving the remainder of the
purchase price herself. She also donated an
organ, and was herself the organist. The
first mass was celebrated in this chapel on Ash
Wednesday in the year 1849, by Father Hav-
ermans, and regularly thereafter once in three
months.

The successors of Dr. Farley in St. Peter's
parish at Saratoga Springs were Rev. F. Don-
ahue, Rev. Bernard Van Reeth and Rev.
Thomas Daly. They exercised pastoral su-
pervision over the Ballston parish and held
regular services here. In 1850 Rev. Daniel
Cull succeeded Father Daly, and was assisted
by Father Lowery. Under the administration

St. Mary's Church, 1907.

ST. MARY'S— 1860.
(Now St. Mary's Hall )

Rev. Father McDooough.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

of Father Cull ground was purchased on the
east side of Church avenue, a little south of
McMaster street, and in December, 1859, the
corner-stone of a large church edifice was
laid. The church was completed and dedi-
cated the following year by Bishop McClos-
key. Until the year 1867 the Ballston church
was considered a part of St. Peter's parish.

In 1867 St. Mary's parish was separated
from St. Peter's, and became an independent
and self-sustaining parish. Rev. Father An-
drew McGeough was the first resident pastor,
and remained in charge until 1873. when he
was relieved by the Bishop at his own request,
and returned to his native land.

Following Father McGeough came Rever-
end Father Edward Bayard, who remained as
pastor until 1878, when Reverend Father Ber-
nard J. McDonough was assigned to the pas-
torate. For almost thirty years this gentleman
has gone in and out before his people, seem-
ingly having the care of every individual mem-
ber of his parish on his mind. Almost with
his coming he conceived the idea of a better
location and a new church for his parish.
He sold the parsonage and church lot to Mr.
Douw F. Winney, and in May, 1879, pur-
chased the George Thompson homestead at
the corner of Milton avenue and Van Buren
street, with Thompson street on the west, pay-
ing therefor $10,500.

The church building on Church avenue was
removed in sections and re-erected on the new
parish property, being located at the corner
of Van Buren and Thompson streets, the
Milton avenue corner being reserved for the
new church which had already begun to as-
sume definite proportions in the mind of Fa-
ther McDonough. Patiently, through sum-
mers' heat and winters' cold, he applied himself
to the herculean task of amassing a fund large
enough to erect such a church as would meet
the growing demands of his parish. And
nobly was he seconded in his efforts by the
members of his congregation.

At last the time arrived which was to see
the fruition of his efforts, and on July 29,
1895, the twenty-fifth anniversary of Father
Mcbonough's ordination to the priesthood,
Mr. Dennis Manogue commenced the laying
of the foundation walls of the new church.
The plans were drawn by Architect Loth, of
Troy, and the contract for erecting the edifice

was awarded to Mr. Manogue, a builder in
Ballston, and a member of St. Mary's church.

The corner-stone was laid May 3, 1896, by
Right Reverend Bishop T. M. A. Burke, D.D.,
of Albany, and on Sunday, October 17, 1897,
Bishop Burke dedicated the completed edifice.

The imposing structure which now stands
at the corner of Milton avenue and Van Buren
street, is the largest church edifice in the vil-
lage, and one of the finest in Northern New
York. It was completed at a cost of $45,000,
and stands a splendid monument of the faith-
ful labors of the present pastor. Father Mc-
Donough.

The parochial residence adjoins the church

on the north.

St. Mary's Cemetery is located on Church
avenue. It was purchased in 1865, and con-
secrated with the rites of the church.

PROTESTANT METHODIST CHURCH.

The Protestant ^^lethodist Church at Balls-
ton Spa was organized in 1858, and in 1859
the society erected a large frame meeting-
house at the westerly corner of South and
Centre streets. Rev. j. M. Ashley was pastor,
and commenced holding services in the new
church Julv 3, 1859, and on August 28, at 3
o'clock in the afternoon, Mrs. Ashley, wife of
the pastor, conducted the service, and also
preached the sermon. This is all the record
that can be found relating to this church. It
had an existence of less than five years, and
the meeting-house was taken down in 1862.

SPIRITLWLIST SOCIETY.

Spiritualism at one time had secured a con-
siderable following in Ballston Spa. Promi-
nent in this society were Benjamin J. Barber,
Samuel Hides and' John Brotherson. In 1876
Mr. Barber, who was a builder, erected for
the society a hall on Bath street, which would
accommodate a congregation of about two
hundred. It was named "Centennial Hall."
x^fter about ten years it was practically aban-
doned, and is now used as a storehouse by the
American Hide and Leather Company.

THE GEIL MEETINGS.

The history of the Ballston churches would
be incomplete if reference was not made to
the great revival in the month of March,
1895, known as the "Geil Meetings." The

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

meetings were lield in the Opera House, the
Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian churches
uniting in the work. Rev. William E. Geil,
of Pennsylvania, a young man, and an evan-
gelist of great power, conducted the meet-
ings. Cottage prayer meetings were held for
several weeks before the services in the Opera
House opened. A splendid gospel choir of
eighty voices was organized, and on the even-
ing of the opening service the Opera House
was crowded, and so continued through the
entire two weeks. A Sunday afternoon ser-
vice for men only, filled the house to overflow-
ing. Services were also held in the churches
in the afternoons. Mr. Geil was a man of fine
presence, wonderful magnetism, and a preach-
er of remarkable force and originality. He is
still engaged in evangelistic work, and since
his Ballston meetings has visited almost every
country on the globe, conducting revival ser-
vices with marked success. The pastors,
Revs. Johnson, Teller and Russum, and many
laymen, labored zealously in the meetings,
and more than three hundred professed con-
version.

THE SCHOOLS.

The earliest school of which any record can
be found was opened about 1803, and was
kept in the Baptist church, which was built in
that year. This school was started through
the combined efforts of Revs. Elias Lee and
Elisha P. Langworthy. It was a public school
and was discontinued on the building of "The
Academy" in 1811.

PUBLIC SCHOOL.

At a meeting of the village trustees held
April 24, 181 1, it was voted to raise the sum
of $1,400 '"by a ta.K on the inhabitants and free-
holders of this village to be appropriated at
the discretion of the Trustees for defraying
the expense of erecting a school house in the
said village suitable and convenient for a com-
mon school." Nicholas Low, with his ac-
customed liberality and public spirit made a
gift of the land required, and the large two-
story building so long known as "The Acad-
emy" was erected the same year. It was lo-
cated on the south side of Galway street, at
the head of a new street which was opened
from Front street to provide ready access to
the new school, the street receiving the ap-
propriate name of Science street. The first

teacher was Mr. Blain, who taught the school
for two years. Mr. Gunnison was his suc-
cessor in the fall of 1813, and announced
in a village paper that an evening school would
be opened in November in "The Academy."
The public school occupied the ground
floor, and continued to be held in this place
until 1836. No record can be found of the
teachers who succeeded Mr. Gunnison.

"the academy."

In the summer of 1812, a number of promi-
nent citizens organized the "Milton Union
School," to teach the "Academic, or higher
branches." The second story of) the new
school building was secured, and in the month
of September "The Academy" opened with
Rev. Darius Oliver Griswold, a graduate of
Williams College, as Principal. Mr. Gris-
wold remained for one year, when he removed
to Saratoga Springs, and in 1816 organized
the First Presbyterian church in that village.
An advertisement in the Saratoga Journal of
July 5, 1815, published in Ballston Spa, says:
"The Milton L^nion School is at present under
the superintendence of Mr. Samson, late pre-
ceptor of Ballston Academy,' and Mr. Bliss,
associate teacher, graduates of Middlebury
College. The advantages for acquiring a
classical education are not inferior to any
other similar institution. Languages and
higher mathematics, per quarter, $4.50; Eng-
lish studies, per quarter, $3.25. Alpheus
Goodrich, Clerk." This school was main-
tained until 1825.-

"ballston spa female seminary."

In December, 1823, Lebbens Booth, Prin-
cipal of the Albany Female Academy, a
flourishing school, purchased a lot of six acres
on the southeast corner of High and Balls-
ton streets and erected a large building on
the eastern half of the premises for his
Ladies' Seminary.^ Delicate health com-

'Located in the town of Ballston, at Academy Hill.

'The opening of Mr. Booth's Female Seminary,
and the announcement that Dr. Babcock, who be-
came Rector of Christ Church in 1824, would in-
struct young men in the classics wefe the causes
which led to the discontinuance of "The Academy."

"The Seminary lot included the present premises
of Mrs. Samuel Smith, H. Vassar Haight and Frank
C. Herrick. The Seminary building was divided
a few years ago, and remodeled into the cottages
now owned by Mr. Herrick and Mr. Haight, the
Herrick residence standing in its original location.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

pelled Mr. Booth to choose a country hfe,
and he located in Ballston Spa as an ideal
place for his home and school. The Semin-
ary opened on September 27, 1824. Day
scholars were admitted, although it was a
boarding school. Twenty-eight of his old
pupils came with him from Albany. The
school was a great success from its opening
day. Mr. Booth was a graduate of Union
College, and also of Princeton Theological
Seminary, where he studied for the Presby-
terian ministry, but he was never ordained.
A man of broad culture and a rarely gifted
teacher, he was perfectly at home on every
subject he was teaching, and never took a
text book into class. An old resident of Balls-
ton once said : "The greatest boom this town
ever had was when Lebbeus Booth opened his
Seminary here ; it changed the whole charac-
ter of the village." Failing health compelled
him to give up his profession of teacher, and
in 1835 the Seminary was closed. He re-
tained his home here until his death, Decem-
ber 16, 1859, in his seventieth year.

In its report of the seventh anniversary of
the Saratoga County Agricultural Society,
held in Ballston Spa, October 12, 1825, the
Ballston Spa Gazette says :

"The Viewing Committee reported as follows:
'During our interesting tour of inspection, our
labors were pleasingly cheered and diversified by a
short visit to the Female Seminary at Ballston Spa,
on the polite invitation of its principal, Mr. Booth,
to attend a public examination of the pupils of that
valuable institution, which took place at that time.
When we consider the solid instruction in useful
and rational learning obtained by Young Ladies at
this important school, we congratulate our enter-
prising Young Farmers on the location, in the
heart of our county, of such a promising nursery
for rational and agreeable companions, and in-
structive mothers for a succeeding generation."

BALLSTON SP.^ INSTITUTE.

Rev. Deodatus Babcock, rector of Christ
Church, opened a classical school for young
men about the year 1825, which he continued
until 1846, when 'this announcement appeared
in the Ballston Journal of May 8th : "Ballston
Spa Institute — A Classical and English
School for Boys. Rev. D. Babcock, Rector;
Theodore Babcock, A.M., and J. H. Bab-
cock, A.B., assistants. This school is now
open in the well-known Aldridge House." In
1856 Rev. N. J. Seely and Prof. C. D. Seely

purchased the property of Dr. Babcock, and
continued the "Institute," Prof. C. D. Seely
becoming sole principal in 1859. He con-
tinued the school as a Military Academy for
about five years.

An aged resident of Charlton attended the
examination at the Institute in June, 1849,
and was so pleased with the exercises that
he wrote a long poem extolling the institution.
The poem appeared in the Journal of July 3.
We copy the opening and closing stanzas:

"In Spa's romantic, gladsome ville.
With banks and dales and many a hill,
Where healing waters erst did give
To sinking life new strength to live ;
Beside a lovely, purling stream,
That winds its way through valleys green.
There stands the Institute for youth.
The seat of learning and of truth.
*****
This Institute whose well-earned fame
A reverend sire and sons sustain,
Gives promise — not far hence the date.
To rank not least among the great;
And future smiling years shall show
What labors well bestowed can do;
And future statesmen here shall rise;
And bards whose fame shall reach the skies."

BALLSTON SPA ACADEMY.

Rev. James Gilmour opened the Ballston
Spa Academy, a boarding and day school for

Gilmour's Academy, 1665.

boys and young men, on September 13, 1855.
For the first year Rev. David Tully was as-
sociate Principal. The school was located on
Pleasant street, where the residence of Mr.
Gordon McCreedy now stands. Mr. Gil-
mour had erected a large two-story build-
ing, admirably adapted for school purposes.
Among the teachers in this Academy was the
late Hon. Neil Gilmour, a brother of the Prin-
cipal, and who in later years held the office of
State Superintendent of Public Instruction for
nine years. For eleven years "Gilmour's

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSION SPA

Academy was one of the prominent educa-
tional institutions of the county, and main-
tained a high degree of excellence. The
Academy was destroyed by fire on Sunday
afternoon, March 12, 1865. Mr. Gilmour at
once re-built, materially increasing the size
of the building, and re-opened his school early
in the fall. This building was also burned to
the ground on the evening of October 25,
1866. Mr. Gilmour decided not to rebuild,
and one of the best schools Ballston ever had
ceased to exist.

DISTRICT SCHOOLS.

"The Academy" was sold to the newly or-
ganized Methodist Church in 1836, and re-
moved to the corner of High and Charlton
streets. Two District School Houses were
built the same year, one on the south side of
High street, between Ballston and Charlton
streets, and a large two-story building on
Milton avenue, at the corner of Hamilton
street, where the St. Charles Hotel now stands.
The district schools continued to be held in
these buildings until the erection of the Bath
street school building in 1874.

In November, 1871, an Academic Depart-
ment was established in the Armory, with
Rev. Mr. Davies as principal. In April, 1872,
Thomas C. Bunyan was appointed principal
of the Academic department, with his sister,
Miss Agnes Bunyan, as assistant. "This was
the beginning of the long, energetic, and hon-
orable career of that gentleman as Principal of
the schools, and the steady advance of edu-
cation in this village." His term of splendid
service extended over a period of twenty
years.

UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT, NUMBER ONE.

In 1872 the Legislature passed an Act in-
corporating "Union School District Number
One, Milton," the territory comprising the
village of Ballston Spa. In 1874 the Bath
street building was completed and furnished
at a cost of $23,400, and was opened with
the fall term on September 14, 1874.

In 1882, to accommodate the increasing
number of pupils, the South street school
house was built, and first used in December
of that year. Its cost was about $8,000.

In 1891 the crowded condition of the
schools compelled the trustees to hire and

furnish rooms outside the school buildings.
In 1892 Principal Bunyan resigned, and re-
moved to Berthoud, Colorado, where he has
to the present time been engaged in the bank-
ing business. His successor was Principal ■
H. H. South wick, who continued in charge f I
for five years, resigning on June 7, 1897, to
become one of the faculty of the State Nor-
mal School at Plattsburg. The third Prin-
cipal was Mr. L. L. Landers, who remained
one year. The fourth Principal, A. A. Lavery,
the present incumbent, was elected May 12,
1898.

The following year the erection of the
High School building on Malta avenue was
commenced, and in September, 1900, the High
School, Grammar Grades and Training Class
began the school year in the new building.
One large room in the building contains the
Public Library, and another is used for a
Museum, in which there has already been col-
lected a large number of rare and interesting
curios. This edifice with its furnishings
cost about $40,000. Ballston's equipment for
educational purposes represents an outlay in
round numbers of $70,000.

Since 1896 the schools have been under
the care of the Regents of the University of
the State of New York : having been duly
registered and chartered March 19, 1896.
During the incumbency of Principal Lavery
the schools of Ballston Spa have attained a
high degree of efficiency and rank as among
the best in the State.

OTHER SCHOOLS.

The first private school of which there is
any record was opened by Miss Pitkin, May
2, 1814. The large number and the uncom-
mon character of some of the branches taught
are decidedly interesting. The notice, as it
appeared in one of the village papers, follows :

"Ladies' School.— Miss Pitkin will open a school
for young ladies on Monday, the 2d of May, at
Ballston Springs, where will be taught the following
branches, viz : Reading, writing and grammar,
history, geography, with the use of maps and globes.
Plain sewing, marking and muslin work; delinea-
tion of maps ; drawing and painting on paper, silk
and wood ; tamboring, print work, embroidery, fil-
igree and rice work ; basket, paper, temple and shell
work ; artificial flowers and wax work. Terms of
tuition from $1.50 to $8 per quarter. Gilding and
Japaning, $15 ; velvet painting, $5. Ballston Spa,
April 9, 1814."

BATH STREET SCH« h )L.

j».

11 1

^^ 1

HIGH SCHOOL, MALTA AVENUE.

SOUTH STREET SCHOOI/.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Evidently in the early days something more
than the study of "the three R's" was con-
sidered essential to complete the education of
a young lady.

"The Academic School" was opened April
12, 1847, with Charles Taylor Harris, princi-
pal, and J. Hiram Champion, assistant. As
its name indicates it taught the classical and
higher English branches.

Albert A. Moor, who later became the edi-
tor and proprietor of the Ballston Journal,
opened a "Select School" in the Mansion
House, opposite the Clerk's office on Front
street.

^^ February 26, 1849, J- O. Nodyne opened an
"English and Classical School" for young
ladies, misses and boys.

A school for music, drawing and French,
was opened May i, 1849, by the Mmes. Vas-
sas, from Paris.

A. M. White, principal, and his sister, Miss
M. E. White, had an English and Classical
school in 1849 and 1850, styled the "Acad-
emic School."

Rev. W. E. Waterbury opened a boarding
and day school for young ladies January 3,
1859, in the house known as the John W. Tay-
lor mansion, on West High street, now the
home of John Brown. The school was dis-
continued the following year.

The Parish School of Christ Church was
instituted in May, 1850, during the rector-
ship of Rev. George Jarvis Geer, and placed
under the care of Miss Mary R. Smith, who
conducted the school for more than thirty
years with excellent success. An advertise-
ment in the Ballston Journal of December
28, 1850, says: "This school has specially in
view the thorough education of young ladies
and misses."

The State and National Law School was
opened in the Sans Souci in 1849 by John W.
Fowler, and had a brief but brilliant career of
about five years.

In 1863 Rev. D. W. Smith purchased the
San Souci, and removed his Ladies' Seminary
from Galway to Ballston Spa, and for four
years conducted a large and flourishing school.
There have been many other private day
schools, some of which will be recalled by
residents of the village. Among these were
the schools of Misses Sarah J. and Mary H.
Watrous in 1841; Misses Sears in 1846^7-8-

9; Misses Freeman in 185 1-2; Miss Eveline
Tryon, Mrs. Mary Lawrence, Miss Eliza
Wakeman, Miss Harriet Nims, Miss Mary
Waterbury, Miss Creamer, Nelson L. Ro^,
M. Williamson, Miss Meda James and Miss
Charlotte Newton.

SOCIETIES.

MASONIC LODGES.

With the earliest settlers in Balls-town
came many Freemasons. The membership
roll of the first Masonic Lodge, now in the
possession of Franklin Lodge, of Ballston
Spa, contains the names of many men promi-
nent in the new settlement. On this roll we
find Beriah Palmer, Edward A. Watrous,
Hezekiah Middlebrook, Titus Watson, Wil-
liam Bettys, Thaddeus Scribner, Caleb Ben-
edict, Seth C. Baldwin, Rev. Ammi Rogers,
Salmon Tryon, Micajah Benedict, Benajah
Douglas, John Taylor, James Merrill, Miles
Beach, Thomas Palmer, James Emmott, David
and James McMaster, Samuel Cook, Samuel
Young and David Rogers.

In 1794 a number of Masons held a meet-
ing in the town of Ballston for the purpose
of forming a Lodge, and on the i6th of May,
in the same year, the Grand Lodge of the
State of New York granted a charter to
Franklin Lodge, No. ^y, to be located in the
town of Ballston. The first officers of this
Lodge were: Beriah Palmer, Master; John
Taylor, Senior Warden; Henry Corl, Junior
Warden.

Meetings were held for two or three years
at the residence of one of the members at
Ballston Centre. The society then built a
hall which stood on the south-east corner of
the present parsonage lot at Ballston Centre.
The Lodge occupied the second floor of this
building until 1830, when the "Lodge stopped
work under the great Morgan excitement."
The warrant was forfeited and never revived.
In the year 1804 members of the fraternity
met at the residence of William Boss, at Mil-
ton Hill, and organized a Lodge which re-
ceived a charter from the Grand Lodge March
22, 1805, with the title of Friendship Lodge,
No. 118. The first officers of this Lodge
were: Rowland Green, Master; Asa Chat-
field, Senior Warden; John Gillis, Junior
Warden.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

On the roll of this Lodge we find the names
of Samuel Smith, Eli Barnum, Miles Beach,
Amos Allcott, Moses Williams, Samuel Free-
man, Stephen Seaman and Lyman B. Lang-
worthy. Meetings were held at Milton Hill
until January, 1821, when the Lodge removed
to Ballston Spa. For three years meetings
were held at the McMaster house, when lodge
rooms were fitted up in the Village Inn (now
Medbery's Hotel) of Brother William Clark,
and regular communications were held in
these rooms until 1835, when, during the Mor-
gan excitement, the charter was surrendered.

For a period of seven years the only Ma-
sonic Body in the village was Warren Chapter.
At the annual session of the Grand Lodge in
1841, William Saunders and others petitioned
that body to renew, by special enactment, the
charter of Franklin Lodge, No. 37. This
could not be done, but in 1842, a charter was
granted to constitute a Lodge, to be located
in Ballston Spa, under the title of Franklin
Lodge, No. 90, F. & A. M., of which William
Saunders was to be the first Master ; William
Hawkins, Senior Warden ; Joseph Jennings,
Junior Warden. The property of old Frank-
lin Lodge was returned to the new Lodge.
Nearly all the members of old Franklin and
of old Friendship Lodges became members of
Franklin Lodge, No. 90.

This Lodge has maintained its regular
communications until the present time. From
1842 to 1845 the meetings were held in the
rooms at the Village Hotel. In 1845 hand-
some rooms were fitted up on the third floor,
in the south part of the new George Thomp-
son building, now owned by S. Gould, corner
of Front and Bath streets. In 1861 the Lodge
removed to more commodious quarters on the
third floor of the building which stood on the
site of H. Frank's store, on Milton avenue,
and ten years later removed to the third floor
of the building now owned by Sanford Briggs,
on Front street. For more than twenty years
past the Lodge has occupied very handsome
rooms in the Close building on Front street.

The brethren who have occupied the chair
of Worshipful Master in Franklin Lodge, No.
90, are: William Saunders, William Haw-
kins, Joseph Jennings, Abel Meeker, Selden
A. Emerson, Reuben Westcot, Harvev N.
Hill, George Babcock, George Millham,
George W. Ingalls, Simeon H. Drake, Per-

cival G. Newcomb, Graham Pulver, Seth
Whalen, Benjamin Allen, Jonathan S. Smith,
Albert J. Reid, Edward F. Grose, C. Fred
Wheeler, Frank Jones, David Frisbie, David
H. Winne, George W. Maxon, William
Spencer, Albert P. Miller, Henry C. Hale,
Fred W. Watts, John Keyes, Louis J. Brown.

The officers for 1907 are : Louis J. Brown,
worshipful master; Fred S. Streever, senior
warden ; H. Montrose Medbery, junior war-
den; Herbert C. Westcot, treasurer; Robert
C. Pierson, secretary ; Fred J. Rooney, sen-
ior deacon; Howard Armer, junior deacon;
J. Franklin Kilmer, George West, masters of
ceremonies ; Fred Armer, chaplain ; Edward
F. Grose, organist ; William Spencer, tiler.

Warren Chapter, No. 23, Royal Arch Ma-
sons, was organized April 4, 1808, and a
charter was granted February 9, 1809, with
Eliakim Cory as first High Priest; George
H. Benham, King; Jonathan Kellogg, Scribe.
Since 1821, when Friendship Lodge removed
to Ballston Spa, the meetings of the Chapter
have been held in the rooms of the Lodge.

The following brethren have served as
Most Excellent High Priest : Eliakim Cory,
William Anthony, Amos Allcott, Nathan
Worden, Philo Hurd, William Hawkins, Wil-
liam Hawkins, Jr., Jonathan Edgecomb, Isaac
Tallman, William A. Clark, Lyman B.
Langworthy, John Dix, Reuben Westcot, Abel
Meeker, Harvey N. Hill, Jesse S. L'Amoreaux,
Graham Pulver, Jonathan S. Smith, George E.
Terry, Edward F. Grose, William Spencer,
Henry C. Hale.

The officers for 1907 are Henry C. Hale,
high priest; H. Montrose Medbery, king;
Charles P. Rooney, scribe ; Fred S. Streever,
captain of the host; Fred W. Watts, principal
sojourner ; James E. Gates, royal arch captain ;
Fred J. Rooney. Louis J. Brown, Stephen
Dunn, masters of the veils ; Frank R. Wilson,
treasurer ; Robert C. Pierson, secretary ; Wil-
liam Spencer, sentinel.

Franklin Star Chapter, No. 369, Order of
the Eastern Star, was instituted October 6,
1905. The chapter has fifty members, and
holds its meetings in Masonic Hall. The
present officers are Mrs. Estelle Boocock,
worthy matron ; John Keyes, worthy patron ;
Mrs. Frank H. Gitsham, associate matron ;
Mrs. Frank R. Wilson, treasurer; Mrs. James
McRoberts, secretary; Mrs. Robert C. Pier-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

son, conductress; Mrs. G. Thoma, associate
conductress ; Mrs. John Reynolds, chaplain ;
Mrs. Edwin H. Groat, marshal; Mrs. Dora
Miller, organist: Mrs. Fred Armer, warder;
Mr. Leander Spicer, sentinel; Ada, Mrs. Wm.
Bradley; Ruth, Miss Florence Hill; Esther,
Mrs. Fred Watts ; Martha, Mrs. John Keyes ;
Electa, Mrs. Enoch M. Scribner: Historian,
Mrs. George M. Cook.

INDEPENDENT OltDER OF ODD-FELLOWS.

Kayaderosseras Lodge, No. 17, I. O. O. F.,
was organized January 9, 1844. The charter
members were Samuel H. Cook, David Max-

Odd Fellows' Hall.

well, James G. Stebbins, William T. Odell,
William Smith and Edward Gilborne. The
lodge rooms were first located in the "Man-
sion House," on Front street. After a few
years the lodge removed to the rooms oc-
cupied by the Masonic fraternity on Milton
avenue, both societies holding their meetings
in this hall. Kayaderosseras Lodge continued
to work until 1865, when it was dissolved.

The successive incumbents of the chair of
Noble Grand were Samuel H. Cook, David
Maxwell, William T. Odell, Patrick H. Cowen,
William Smith, Lorenzo Kelly, John J. Lee,
Henry Wright, Edward Gilborne, G. V. Mix,
Harrison Emerson, Squire Barrett, George

Thompson, Selden A. Emerson, Spencer
Twitchell, John McKown, John Wilder, James
Ashmun, James W. Morris, Amos W. Cook,
Daniel W. Culver, Abram Gary, Lawrence
W. Bristol, George Babcock, H. P. Jones, A.
J. Goffe, Isaac D. Gibbons, H. C. Hakes, Ed-
son O. Arnold, William W. Simmons, Corn-
well M. Noxon, Nelson H. Huested, Isaac H.
Sears, James W. Culver, C. H. Van Valken-
burgh, E. C. Foster, John C. Sullivan, Henry
A. ^lann, Burdick F. Davie, Joshua B. Boss,
William W. Day, John H. Westcot, Edwin
JMiller, Josiah B. Hall, John C. Newman,
John F. Bortles, James S. Garrett, Clement
C. Hill, John P. Weatherwax, E. A. Frisbie.

Ballston Encampment, No. 72, was insti-
tuted November 9, 1854. This organization
was only continued a few years.

A movement to revive the Order was made
in 1871, and on August 24 of that year,
Kayaderosseras Lodge, No. 270, was organi-
zed. The. Lodge is in a flourishing con-
dition, its membership December 31, 1906, be-
ing 158. In 1892 the Lodge dedicated the fine
brick building on Milton avenue known as
Odd-Fellows Hall, at a cost of about $12,000
for the lot, building and furnishings.

The present officers are Louis L. Cohn, No-
ble Grand; Henry Williams, Vice Grand;
Francis D. Brower, treasurer; James J. Hig-
gins, secretary; John L. Hutchins, financial
secretary; Jacob A. Niles, warden; Cecil H.
Finnemore, conductor ; Charles Van Buren, R.
S. N. G. ; Horton D. Cole, L. S. N. G. ; An-
drew Abeel, R. S. V. G. ; Charles E. Wood,
L. S. V. G. ; Chester Evarts, R. S. S. ; Arthur
Gray, L. S. S. ; George Thomas, chaplain ;
Walter Newbury, I. G. ; Joseph Wilson, O. G.

Those who have occupied the chair of Noble
Grand are Abijah Comstock, Frank R. Wilson,
James Chalice, Alonzo M. Shepherd, Joseph
Richardson, Emmett Lee, Smith Hovey, James
Humphrey, Francis D. Brower, Joseph Lewis,
J. J. Hayward, Henry E. Mooney, Thomas R.
Robinson, John L. Thomas, Gideon A. Tripp,
James E. Webster, Tracy W. Nichols, James
A. Burnham, Charles W. Estes, Robert Frear,
James E. Gates, Charles H. Baker, Ira B.
Fryer, George S. Brann, John N. Hutchins,
Madison Bartlett, John H. Wager, Arthur
Mathers. William Kinns, James A. Hovey,
Charles \'^an Buren, John Chard, William H.
Burdick, Harry E. Hawley, James H. Sim-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

mons, William A. Sherwood, George W. Sher-
wood, Charles E. Chrisfield, George K. Bills,

D. N. Hammond, E. C. Brooks, Harry J. Hol-
ness, Charles H. Garling, Frank H. Weymer,
Horton D. Cole, Henry J. Cole, James White,
Jr., George Earl, Addison Comstock, William
H. Cowles, George Rogers, Warren P. Cole,
W. W. Spaulding, James D. Reid, Louis L.
Cohn.

Milton Encampment, No. iii, I. O. O. F.,
was organized February 27, 1889. The pres-
ent officers are Archie L. Carr, chief patriarch ;
George Rogers, senior warden ; Warren P.
Cole, junior warden; James D. Reid, scribe;
James H. Simmons, treasurer; Arthur Math-
ers, financial scribe.

Canton T. J. Marvin, No. 4, P. M., I. O. O.
F., was instituted December 31, 1885. The
officers are Archie R. Carr, captain ; James D.
Reid, lieutenant; Grover Williams, ensign.
The Canton has thirty-one members.

Christina Rebekah Lodge, No. 153, L O. O.
F., was organized August 24, 1893, ^ind has a
membership of about sixty. The officers are
Mrs. James Thomas, N. G. ; Mrs. Horton D.
Cole, V. G. ; Mrs. Cecil H. Finnemore, secre-
tary; Mrs. Daniel N. Hammond, financial sec-
retary; Mrs. Henry Newkom, treasurer; Mrs.
George De Cora, warden ; Miss Belle Reid,
conductor ; Mrs. S. Egan, R. S. N. G. ; Mrs.
James A. Burnham, L. S. N. G. ; Mrs. C. C.
Dolch, R. S. V. G. ; Mrs. S. Hovey, L. S. V.
G. ; Mrs. Elmer Kemp, chaplain ; Miss Cecilia
Castle, L G. ; George R. Earl, O. G.

The several Lodges of the order meet in
Odd-Fellows Hall.

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.

Hermion Lodge, No. 90, K. of P., was in-
stituted February 5, 1873. The first officers
were S. H. Van Steenburgh, C. C. ; W. W.
Garrett, V. C. ; R. H. Young, P. ; A. M. Shep-
herd, K. of R. and S. ; George McDonald, M.
of Ex. ; Matthew Livingston, M. of F. ; George
Briggs, M. A. ; Willard W. Brown, J. G. ; John

E. Coope, O. G. ; M. Weiner, P. C. C.
Those who have occupied the chair of Chan-
cellor Commander have been S. H. Van Steen-
burgh, M. H. Livingston, M. Weiner, J. W.
Smith, Alonzo M. Shepherd, William W.
Garrett, Rush H. Young, Frank Snyder, Justin
L. Warriner, John McCarthy, Courtland
Rouse, George B. Yott, George D. Story,

Robert Groom, Luther M. Moore, Willard W.
Brown, Sylvester S. Gould, John L. Coon,
Frank E. Mitchell, Charles M. Arnold, James
Dunk, James F. Robinson, James M. Wood,
Enoch M. Scribner, Channing Barton, Wil-
liam Mooney, John Watson, Joseph Chilson,
Charles W. Estes, Joseph R. ShefTer, J. L.
Thompson, W. J. Holness, George W. Ayers,
Fred C. Morehouse, A. H. Parker, C. F. Gar-
ling, Louis L. Cohn, E. G. Tibbetts, T. F.
Faxon, William A. Van Evren, L. L. Ayers,
J. L. Smith.

The present officers are R. L. DeLong, C.
C. ; W. A. Bradley, V. C. ; W. W. Brown, M.
of E. ; H. W. Burnham, M. of F. ; Wendell
Townlev, K. of R. and S. ; J. L. Smith, M. of
W. ; M. D. Bradley, Jr., M. of A. ; W. A. Van
Evren, L G. ; William Parker, O. G. ; C. F.
Garling, E. M. Scribner, H. H. Ferris, trus-
tees; J. L. Smith, James M. Wood, L. L.
Ayers, finance committee.

The Lodge has one hundred and sixteen
members, and occupies handsome rooms on
the third floor of the Wiley building.

George West Company, No. 19, K. of P.,
was instituted August 17, 1888. The present
membership is forty-two. The officers are
L. G. Demmon, captain; R. L. Delong, first
lieutenant; F. L. Blanchard, second lieuten-
ant ; Edward H. Garling, recorder ; Charles
Heritage, treasurer; E. S. Jones, left guide;
William A. Van Evren, right guide.

McKinley Temple, No. 20, of Pvthian Sis-
ters, was organized in January, 1905, and has
a membership of sixty-five. The officers are
Mrs. Henry Hodsoll, most excellent chief;
Mrs. Reuben L. Delong, past chief; Mrs.
Braman Ayers, most excellent senior; Mrs.
Hiram Morse, junior of the Temple ; Mrs. D.
V. G. Curtis, manager of the Temple; Mrs.
James Clute, mistress of finance ; Mrs. Minnie
Ayers, mistress of correspondence ; Mrs. Alice
Groom, protector of Temple ; Mrs. Jonas
Smith, outside guard. Mrs. Minnie Ayers is
Mistress of Finance in the Grand Temple of
the State, and also M. E. Deputy Chief of this
district.

ORDER OF MACCABEES.

Ballston Tent, No. 429, was organized
April t6, 1896, with thirty members. The
first officers were T. W. Nichols, past com-
mander; Charles Van Buren, commander; O.

Lorc»

100

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

E. York, lieutenant commander; Walter L.
Grose, record keeper; W. J. York, finance
keeper; George S. Brann, chaplain; F. J.
Holmes, sergeant ; H. S. Craig, physician ; W.
H. Newcomb, M. at A.; D. Des Grange, ist
M. of G. ; Samuel Russell, 2nd M. of G. ; W.
H. Estes, sentinel ; Frank Waring, picket.

This is a fraternal insurance society, and
insures its members in sums of $250 to $3,000.
Since its organization 332 members have been
admitted, and there are now 196 members in
good standing. The officers for 1907 are J.
Franklin Kilmer, past commander; Martin
Haley, commander; Clarence Sickles, lieuten-
ant commander; Charles Van Buren, record
and finance keeper; Charles H. Baker, chap-
lain ; John Leahy, sergeant ; R. B. Castree,
physician ; M. B. Gleason, M. at A. ; William
Ellison, 1st M. of G. ; Oscar Robinson, 2nd
M. of G. ; Laurence Gorman, sentinel ; War-
ren C. McCreedy, picket.

The Tent has fine lodge rooms in the Sans
Souci block on Front street, and meets every
Tuesday evening.

Eallston Hive, No. 400, Lady Maccabees,
was organized in February, 1902. It is a fra-
ternal and social society, and insures its mem-
bers in sums from $250 to $1,000. The Hive
has thirty members for insurance, and two so-
cial members. The meetings are held in
Pythian Hall.

The officers are Mrs. Nelson Gardner, lady
commander; Mrs. W. J. Eastwood, lieutenant
commander ; Mrs. Vernon Bremer, past com-
mander; Mrs. Horace Mosher, record keeper;
Mrs. Edward Van Alstyne, sergeant ; Mrs. D.
N. Hammond, mistress at arms; Mrs. George
W. Gardner, chaplain; Mrs. L Brown, senti-
nel; Mrs. Chas. H. Baker, picket.

CATHOLIC SOCIETIES.

The Young Men's Sodality was instituted
in 1879, and has fine rooms in the McCIew
building on Milton avenue.

Knights of Columbus, organized in 1892, is
a social and benevolent order, with a member-
ship of thirty-five. It is a branch of the Sara-
toga Knights, and is officered by the Saratoga
society.

Sans Souci Council, C. W. B. L., was or-
ganized January 8, 1902. A benevolent, social
and insurance order, with a membershin of
fifty. The officers are Miss Louisa King,

president; Mrs. William Whalen, vice-presi-
dent; Miss Nettie Heninger, chancellor; Mrs.
James Dower, orator; Mrs. William J. Burn-
ham, secretary; Miss Mary Sheehy, collector;
Miss Catharine Luffman, treasurer; Miss
Dora Bousquet, marshal ; Mrs. Mary Swift,
guard ; Mrs. Thomas Cleary, Mrs. Charles
Morris, Miss Mena Charon, trustees. Meet-
ings are held second and fourth Thursday of
each month in St. Mary's hall.

Catholic Benevolent Legion, organized May
8, 1889, is a benevolent and insurance order,
with fifty members. William H. Van Dyke is
president ; Henry Lowry, secretary ; Thomas
Kerley, treasurer ; John Corning, collector.
Meets first and third Wednesday of every
month in St. Mary's hall.

League of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, or-
ganized in 1895 by the Reverend Monsignor
L. D. Maguire, of Albany, is a religious or-
der, devoted to good works. The League has
two hundred members, divided into bands of
ten members each, with a promoter at the
head of each band, and all in charge of a di-
rector. Meets the first Friday in every
month, and has special services in the church
both morning and evening.

Ballston Division, No. 8, Ancient Order of
Hibernians, was instituted June 10, 1906. The
order maintains a benefit for its members in
case of sickness. The officers are William A.
Mehan, president ; James J. O'Brien, vice-
president; John F. Hennessey, treasurer;
Harry Gaflfney, recording secretary; Charles
J. Reilly, financial secretary ; Rev. B. J. Mc-
Donough, chaplain. The Order has a mem-
bership of one hundred and twenty-five, and
meets in St. Mary's hall.

Ladies Auxiliary, A. O. H., instituted June
17, 1906, meets in St. Mary's hall. It is a
benevolent and social order, with eighty mem-
bers. The officers are Mrs. Thomas Duffy,
president; Mrs. James J. O'Brien, vice-presi-
dent ; Miss Anna Reilly, recording secretary ;
Mrs. Ovid Eddy, financial secretary; Mrs.
William A. Mehan, treasurer; Mrs. John F.
Hennessey, mistress at arms; Miss Lizzie
Jones, sentinel.

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.

William H. McKittrick Post, No. 46, G.
A. R., was organized in May, 1875. It is
named in memory of Captain McKittrick, a
soldier of the Mexican and the Civil wars,

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

101

who lost his life in the battle at Fort Gil-
mer, Virginia. The first officers were Al-
bert J. Reid, C. ; Thomas Harris, S. V. C. ;
Charles Massey, J. V. C; P. P. Williams,
Adjutant ; George D. Story, Q. M. ; Justin
Warner, Q. M. S. ; James D. Thompson, O.
D. ; Rush H. Young, Chaplain ; Charles
Brockway, Surgeon; Martin Lee, O. G.

The Commanders of the Post have been
Albert J. Reid, Thomas Harris, James D.
Thompson, George D. Story, James Dunk,
Allen S. Glenn, John Mitchell, James Wood,

-Ss_

year, at Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs
alternately. The Ballston Spa Gazette says
"the sixth anniversary of the Saratoga County
Agricultural Society was held at Saratoga
Springs October 13, 1824. A very able and
patriotic address was delivered by Hon. John
W. Taylor, a member of the Society."

An interesting report of a committee made
at the Seventh Anniversary will be found
elsewhere in connection with the Seminary of
Lebbeus Booth, to which it relates.

The fairs in Ballston Spa were held in the

"^^^^^'^''^S^

t^ .^ iiiwfttr^A^-

SARATOGA COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS AND ALMS HOUSE.

Bryan McGinnis, George McCreedy, James
L. Boocock, Rush H. Young, William H.
Sherman, George F. Foster, A. J. Carter, M.
H. Potter, Andrew J. Freeman.

William B. Horton Post, No. 35, Sons of
Veterans, was organized in 1880. This or-
ganization is now known as McKittrick
Camp, S. of V.

The Women's Relief Corps was organized
about the year 1880.

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

The first County Agricultural Society was
organized in October, 1819, in Ballston Spa.
The annual meetings, which were called "An-
niversaries," were held in October of each

Court House, where the exhibition of farm
products and household articles was made ;
the stock exhibit being held on the lot now
occupied by the residence of Frank H.
Brown, nearly opposite the Court House.

In 1841 the Legislature passed an Act pro-
viding for the formation of county agricul-
tural societies, and the Saratoga County Ag-
ricultural Society was formed under its pro-
visions, and the annual fairs continued to be
held in Ballston Spa until 1849, when the So-
ciety voted to hold its fairs in Mechanicville
for ten years. At the expiration of this pe-
riod the Society located at Saratoga Springs.

The Union Fair Association was organized
at Ballston Spa in the winter of 1870, and the

102

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

first fair was held on the fair grounds in this
village in 1871. This fair continued for sev-
eral years, when it was merged in the County
Society, and the County Fair was located per-
manently on the grounds in this village, which
were purchased by the County Society.

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS.

A Tent of Rechabites, known as Delevan
Tent, existed in the town of Ballston in the
earliest years of that order in the United
States. It was named for Hon. Edward C.
Delevan, a resident of Ballston and Albany,
and one of the most prominent workers in the
temperance cause in the state. He was also
proprietor of the Delevan House in .A.lbany.

In 1830 Ballston Division of Sons of Tem-
perance, located in the village of Ballston Spa,
was organized with a membership of three
hundred and sixteen. This society was con-
tinued for a number of years.

In 1874 a lodge of Good Templars was or-
ganized, and had an existence of two years.

OTHER SOCIETIES.

The first Young Men's Christian Associa-
tion in the village was organized in 1858, with
Dr. D. W. Culver as President. It was con-
tinued for about two years. In 1867 a Y. M.
C. A. was instituted, with Stephen E. Garrett
as President. This Association had a large
membership, a good library, and a large read-
ing room supplied with newspapers and peri-
odicals. The Association had a brief exist-
ence of about three years.

The first organization of workingmen in
the village was a "Mechanics' Association" in
1854.

The Utopian Club, a social organization of
gentlemen, was organized in .September, 1885.
The Club has very handsome rooms in the
Sans Souci block on Front street. A fine li-
brary is one of the attractions of the Club.

The Knickerbocker Club is a social and
musical club organized among our young
men about two years ago.

The Os-sa-hin-ta Club, a social, musical
and athletic club, was organized by the young
men of the village February last. The officers
are William Clement, president ; Louis Rob-
bins, vice-president; Ray Foote, treasurer;
Charles Steinrod, secretary. The Club has
handsome rooms in the Winney building on
Front street.

The Health and Strength Club, an athletic
association of young men, was organized last
March. Ofllicers : Charles T. Mason, presi-
dent ; John Redmond, vice-president ; Joseph
F. Driscoll, treasurer; Maurice M. Dower,
secretary. The Club has twenty-six mem-
bers, and was accorded the honor of opening
the Centennial Celebration with its first ath-
letic meet.

Kaydeross Camp, No. 10,829, Modern
Woodmen of America, was organized July 19,
1 90 1, and now has a local membership of
thirty-five. The object of this organization
is to furnish life insurance protection at cost.
E. S. Coons is the present presiding officer;
William Whalen, treasurer; William L. Max-
on, clerk.

The Woman's Christian Temperance Union
was organized February 8, 1888. The first
officers were Mrs. D. A. Forbes, president ;
Mrs. E. P. Stevens, Mrs. W. T. C. Hanna
and Mrs. A. R. Olney, wives of the pastors of
the Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian
churches, vice-presidents ; Miss Mary E. Law-
rence, secretary; Mrs. T. C. Kelley, treasurer.
In 1889 the society established a reading room
which it maintained until about a year ago.
The present officers are Mrs. Andrew Hall,
president ; Mrs. A. A. Garrett, treasurer ; Mrs.
Henry Newkom, secretary.

The Ancient Order of United Workmen
was organized in 1877. The present officers
are Louis Cohn, Master Workman ; James H.
Simmons, financier; Henry Newkom, treas-
urer. This is a fraternal insurance order, and
at one time had a large membership, main-
tained a lodge hall, and held regular meetings.
The membership is now small and no lodge
meetings are held.

The Ballston Spa Cemetery Association
was incorporated June 15, 1898.

The Federation of Churches was consti-
tuted April 18, 1904. It includes the Episco-
palian, Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist
churches.

The labor organizations at present existing
in the village are as follows : . Carpenters'
Union, Painters' Union, Pulp and Sulphite
Workers' Union, International Brotherhood
of Stationary Firemen, Federation of Labor,
Trades Assembly, and International Brother-
hood of Paper Makers.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

103

The Corporation

PRIOR to the incorporation of the vil-
in 1807 under the name of Ballston
Spa, the post-office had been named
"Ballston Springs," and writers of an
early period spoke of the settlement as "Ball's
Town," or as "Ballston." In some early deeds
the place is called "Ballston Salt Springs,"
and also "Town of Spa," and Gordon Creek is
mentioned as "Spa Creek."

Many matters of historic interest are to be
found in the books of minutes of the Board
of Trustees. On the first page of the first
book of village records the following entry
appears : "At an election of the inliabitants
of the village of Ballston Spa, held at the
house of David McMaster on the first Tues-
day of May, agreeable to public notice, and
in conformity to the Charter of Incorpora-
tion of the said Village of Ballston Spa,
granted by the Legislature, in an Act entitled
An Act relative to the Village of Ballston
Spa, passed the 21st of March, 1807, the fol-
lowing persons were duly elected to the re-
spective offices, viz : Joshua B. Aldridge,
Stephen H. White, Nathan Lewis, trustees ;
John Warren, David McMaster, Archy Kas-
son, assessors; Epenetus White, Jun., treas-
urer ; Eli Barnum, collector ; William Shep-
herd, clerk; Elihu Roe, Samis Blakely, con-
stables."

Copies of a local newspaper published in
1806 and 1807, make it possible to give the
occupations of the first village officers.

Trustees — Joshua B. Aldridge was the
proprietor of the "Aldridge House," a lead-
ing hotel ; Stephen H. White, was a fuller,
dyer and dresser of cloths, and proprietor of
a large boarding house; Nathan Lewis was
a merchant tailor.

Assessors — John Warren was a general
merchant ; David McMaster, one of the pro-
prietors of the "McMaster House"; and
Archy Kasson, dealt in dry goods and gro-
ceries, and was also a "nail and tin maker."

Treasurer — Epenetus White, Jr., had a

general store opposite the Spring, and was
the second store keeper to locate here. He
was a son of Epenetus White, a member of
the surveying party which discovered the
Spring in 1771. Trustee White and Treas-
urer White were cousins.

Collector — Eli Barnum, was engaged in
the saddler)' and harness business, and be-
came one of Ballston's leading merchants.

Clerk — William Shepherd was proprietor
of a grist mill.

Constables — Elihu Roe was a farmer, and
lived opposite the cemetery; Samis Blakely,
was a blacksmith.

The first meeting of the Trustees was
held at the Aldridge House (now Brook-
side), Saturday, June 6, 1807. All the
trustees were present. It was "Resolved,
That the Board meet on every Thursday of
each week at the house of Reuben Ball, at 5
o'clock in the afternoon precisely, and for
the neglect of punctual attendance at the
hour stipulated, each delinquent shall forfeit
the sum of fifty cents."

A drain of timber was ordered laid, and a
dock was ordered built along the creek "to
contract the width of the creek to twenty
feet." The assessors were directed to make
an estimate of the cost of the drain and the
dock. This was all the business transacted
at the first meeting.

At the next meeting held June 11 the as-
sessors reported the cost of the drain and
dock as $150. At a subsequent meeting on
July II the Board unanimously revoked the
assessment and called a special meeting of
the inhabitants of the village.

There is no other record until November
14, when it was decided to accept certain
lands of Joshua B. Aldridge and Nicholas
Low for the purpose of improving the street
near the Spring, "provided the said dock can
be paid for and filled up by a voluntary sub-
scription."

These three meetings were all that appear

104

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

in the record of the first year. The resolu-
tion providing for weekly meetings of the
trustees seems to have fallen into "innocuous
desuetude," and the dock and drain were
forgotten.

At the second election in May, 1808, the
same trustees were continued in office.

On May 28 in this year, an ordinance was
passed fixing the weight and price of loaves
of bread, and attaching a penalty of $2 for

the only business transacted was in relation
to construction of drains. At the last meet-
ing of the year Walnut street was established
a public street. Seven trustee meetings were
held in 1808.

The records show only one meeting in 1809.
At this meeting it was resolved that "the stone
in the channel of Spa creek be used to build
a wall to prevent inundations."

A meeting of the inhabitants of the village

FRONT STREET, 1907.

each violation of the ordinance. A similar
ordinance was passed from time to time until
about 1820. This is the ordinance :

"Be it ordained that the assize for bread for the
village of Ballston Spa be as follows: A loaf of
superfine flour to weigh 3 lbs. and 10 oz. for one
shilling; a loaf of like flour to weigh i lb. and 13
oz. for six pence ; a loaf of common flour to weigh
4 lbs. and 3 oz. for one shilling; a loaf of like flour
to weigh 2 lbs. and I oz. for six pence."

At the same meeting each owner of a dwell-
ing was required to provide two ladders for
use in case of fire — one to reach the eaves ;
another, with iron hooks, to be laid on the
roof.

At four subsequent meetings in this year

held April 14, 181 1, voted to raise by tax
$1,400 for the purpose of building a school
house. This school building afterwards was
known as "The Academy."

In 1813 a committee was appointed to pro-
cure from the Legislature a charter for a man-
ufacturing company. This is the first action
by the trustees in aid of the industrial devel-
opment of the village.

There was evidently a scarcity of money of
small denominations in 1814, and at a meet-
ing held November 25, the trustees were "re-
quested to issue bills under $1 to an amount
not exceeding $1,000." On January 17 of the
following year the inhabitants again author-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF DALLSTON SPA

105

ized the trustees to issue a second $i,ooo of
similar bills. In a village paper, under date
of March 26, 1818, "the public are informed
that the trustees have made arrangements with
Mr. E. D. Smith to redeem the small corpo-
ration bills, and as the trustees are desirous
of closing that business, request the holders
of said bills to present them as soon as possi-
ble." Mr. Smith was a merchant in the vil-
lage.

June ID, 1815, the trustees decided to build
a Market House on the corner of Walnut and
Science streets. The house was built as ap-

pears by a later record of the renting of four
stalls in the market for a total sum of $28.
In 1816 a village seal was adopted.

FREEHOLDERS IN 1817.

The first tax list of which there is any rec-
ord is found in the book of minutes of the
board of trustees, under date of June 7, 1817,
ten years after the village was incorporated.
It contains one hundred and four names, and
the total assessment was $175,650. The fol-
lowing is the list, with the assessment of each
freeholder :

Joshua B. Aldridge $16,000

Charlotte White 12,000

Epenetus White 4.000

Nicholas Low 25,000

Andrew Bcrger 12,000

Samuel Pitkin 1,400

Elisha P. Langworthy 1,400

Betsey McMaster 1,400

Mary Marshall 700

Peter Abbey 800

William Stilwell i,750

Andrew Watrous 2,000

Norman Webster 1,000

Samuel Smith 1,800

James Doney 900

Sanbun Ford 400

Aaron Nash 400

Lewis Smith 400

Samuel Scidmore 600

Evans Robbins 400

Edward A. Morehouse.... 400

Elizabeth Simonds 200

John Flint Soo

John Bennett 800

Mindwell Bridges 1,400

William H. Bridges 2,000

Moses Williams 2,500

James Caldwell S.SOO

William Clark 1,500

Archibald Kidd 2,000

Douglass Satterlee 1,000

James Merrill 3.ooo

Raymond Taylor 2,500

John Dix

200
100

Richard Atkins

The original charter does not seem to have
met the needs of the growing village, and in
December, 1821, Samuel Cook, Thomas Pal-
mer and A. W. Odell were appointed a com-
mittee to draft a new Act of Incorporation.
The new charter was passed by the Legisla-
ture in 1822.

In 1823 it was decided to compensate the
village clerk for his services, and the salary
was fixed at $10.

Eleanor Bradley 800

Thomas Cade 1,000

Richard Burtis 200

John Harwood 200

John Welch 200

Mrs. Davis 40o

John Marchandt 60c

John Cross 1.500

Walter Geere 100

Mrs. Flint 2,000

William Carter 1.600

Rowland A. Wright 800

John Cutler 5oo

Stephen Fuller 800

John Payne 700

Mrs. Strang 500

Samuel Cook 1,000

John Kelly 500

Josiah Pulling 500

A. W. Odell 500

Amos Allcott 1.500

Jonathan Williams 600

Wright & Barlow 80c

Langworthy & Son Soo

E. D. Smith 1,500

Hoff & Lockwood 500

James Francis 800

Anthony Wilson Soo

Ulysses F. Doubleday 800

Barlow 300

McBain & Page i.ioo

John Story & Son .300

John K. Beekman 800

Peter Francis 30o

Allcott & Langworthy 1,100

Sears & Comstock 1,400

Thomas Palmer 2,500

Joel Lee 2,000

Eli Barnuni • 2,000

Lee & Barnum 1,100

Lyman B. Langworthy 800

Asa .Allcox 1,000

Isaiah Bunce 1,000

Oliver Edson I.ooo

."Vvery Swan 800

Oren Sage 1,500

Reuben Westcot •• 1,100

Samuel Hicks 800

Stephen S. Seaman 3.000

Solomon Lockwood 800

Farquhar McBain 4.000

William Ford I.50C

Widow Foster 50"

Tnnocent Peckham SOO

Elihu Roe 700

Heirs of Wright Tryon. .. 700

Joseph Garret 2,000

Hannah Peckham 200

Joseph Perry 2,6oo

David Sprague 2.500

Nathaniel & Stephen Toby. 2,500

Margaret Purvis I.CXW

Richard Darby 700

Hezekiah Middlebrook I,500

Henry P. Chapman 1,000

Widow Luther 600

Stephen Lockwood 400

James Jack 800

Stephen Fox 200

$175,650

In May, 1825, a village meeting authorized
the trustees to place proper guide boards in
such public places as appear to them neces-
sary.

the village pumps needed repairmg in Jan-
uary, 1827, and the repairs were ordered.

In 1832, the year of the Asiatic cholera epi-
demic, the first hoard of health was appointed.
There were six members, and Dr. Samuel
Freeman was health officer. A vigilance com-

106

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

mittee of fifteen was also appointed to see that
cleanliness in streets and buildings was ob-
served. The strict rules adopted were effect-
ive, and not a single case of cholera was re-
ported.

At a meeting held October 31, 1835, the fol-
lowing resolution was adopted: "Resolved,
That this meeting deem it expedient for this
village to take measures with a view to ascer-
taining the practicability of constructing a

Reuben Westcot, John Wait, Nathaniel M.
Clark, Philip H. McOmber. At their first
meeting the trustees elected James M. Cook,
the first village president.

The first mention of a village attorney is
found in the records of 1844.

The village decided in 1846 to light the
streets, and the trustees appointed a commit-
tee "to ascertain how maiiy street lamps were
wanted, and the cost." This public improve-

St. Mary's Parochial Residence.

MILTON AVENUE.

railroad from this village to intersect the rail-
road from Schenectady to Utica, in the neigh-
borhood of Amsterdam." A committee was
appointed to carry the resolution into effect.
No further record as to the action of this com-
mittee is to be found.

At a public meeting held October 27, 1835,
the trustees were authorized to sell "The
Academy." At this meeting it was proposed
to raise by tax $500 to move the McMaster
house out of Front street; also that measures
be taken to open Science street to High street
if the Academy is sold. The McMaster house
was not moved "out of Front street" until
thirty years later. The house was destroyed
by fire in 1835, and in 1865 the trustees re-
moved the ruins and straightened Front street
at this point.

In the year 1842 the number of the trustees
was increased to five. The trustees also elect-
ed one of their number village president. The
trustees chosen this year were James M. Cook,

ment was carried out, for in the following
year the trustees ordered the street lamps re-
paired and the number increased.

At a meeting of the trustees on July 27(
1847, it was "Resolved, That Isaac Fowler
be and is hereby requested to invite the at-
tendance of General Tom Thumb at this place
at his pleasure. Resolved, That Mr. Fowler
be requested to state to the little General that
there are no SDiall men in Ballston, it being a
free port, and that the inhabitants and visit-
ors of this place v^^ould be happy to greet the
little great man." There is no record of the
acceptance of this flattering invitation, but it
must have pleased the General for the Balls-
ton Journal says that he appeared at the Sans
Souci August 23 and 24, in his programme
of songs, dances, Grecian statue's, and his rep-
resentations of Napoleon, Frederick the Great,
etc.

In January, 1848, permission was given to
the Schenectady and Saratoga Plank Road

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

107

Company to construct a plank road in Balls-
ton Spa, through Ballston street to High
street; to Court, to Front street, to Milton
avenue, and through Milton avenue to north
line of the village. April 17, 1848, a tax of
$80 was voted to purchase a new village
hearse.

The minutes of the trustees of July 14, 1849
read : "Dan Rice is given leave to exhibit
August, 1849." This early showman, and the
prince among clowns of all time, seems to
have brought the first circus to Ballston.

In 1853 an effort was made to bring Blood-
ville within the corporate limits, but it was
not successful.

At a public meeting in September of this
year a resolution to levy a tax of $1,000 for
building a Surrogate's office was laid on the
table; a resolution to raise the money by sub-
scription was ignored, and "the meeting broke
up in a row," if the record can be relied on.

A new charter was adopted in 1855, and a
committee appointed to present it to the Legis-
lature for enactment.

The first Commissioners of Deeds for the
village, six in number, were appointed in 1859.

August 15, i860, a franchise was granted
to the Providence, R. I., Steam and Gas Pipe
Company, to lay pipes for furnishing gas in
the streets of the village. Gas was furnished
early in 1861.

In Alay, 1865, the trustees adopted a reso-
lution to straighten Front street, at the west
end. The McMaster property was acquired,
and the street changed to its present location
Previous to this time the street turned north-
ward at the brow of the hill, and intersected
Charlton street just north of the present Iron
Spring.

The village was first lighted by gas in 1873.
Gas had so largely given place to the electric
light, that the gas works were closed in Janu-
ary of the present year. The electric light
was first introduced in 1890.

In June, 1876. the name of Ballston avenue
was changed to Church avenue, to avoid con-
fusion, as there is a Ballston street running
south from High street, past the village ceme-
tery.

A meeting of the electors was held March
19, 1877, to vote on the question of incorpo-
rating the village under the General Village
Law of 1870. The vote stood 82 for; 150

against. At another meeting on February 23,
1879, t^hc question was again defeated, 98 for;
152 against. The question remained quiet for
six years, when, on March 16, 1885, the vil-
lage voted for such incorporation, 318 for;
134 against. The trustees have since that time
been acting under the general incorporation
law for villages. In the year 1885, for the
first time the office of Village President was
made distinct from that of trustee, and the
President was elected by the people. The
term of office of the trustees was also in-
creased to two years, three trustees to be elect-
ed in one year, and two on the alternate
years.

In 1887 the village clock was purchased at
a cost of $700. It was at first placed in the
tower of Christ church. In 1891 the clock
was removed to its present location in the
tower of the Court House. The old "town
clock" in the steeple of the Baptist church at
the head of Front street, began to record the
time when the church was completed in 1836,
and did good service for fifty years.

In 1897 the number of trustees was in-
creased to six; three trustees to be elected an-
nually.

In 1901 the first brick jjavement in the vil-
lage was laid on Front street, from Bath
street to Milton avenue. In 1902 a portion of
Bath street and Milton avenue were paved
with brick : and in 1906, Malta avenue, from
Milton avenue to Pine street, was similarly
paved.

In the year 1904, for the first time, the Vil-
lage Clerk and the Street Commissioner were
elected by the people. Prior to this these offi-
ces had been filled by appointment of the
Trustees.

In 1906 a "curfew" ordinance was adopted.
This ordinance makes it unlawful for any
person under sixteen years of age to be or
remain on the streets in the village after the
hour of nine o'clock p. m., from March i to
August 31 : and from September i to the last
day of February, after eight o'clock p. m.,
unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

In 1907, June 22 to 25, the centennial cele-
bration of the incorporation of the village was
held.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

At a public meeting held January 27, 1815,
the citizens decided to build an engine house

108

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

and purchase a fire engine, and directed the
Trustees to organize a Fire Company imme-
diately. It took nearly two years to decide as
to the kind of engine to be purchased, and
September i6, 1816, $300 were voted for this
purpose.

Notwithstanding the fact that the Trustees
in January, 1815, were required to organize
a fire company immediately, the first com-
pany was not organized until August 15,

it was moved across Bath street to the site of
the present Engine House, No. i. The old
house was a small one-story frame building,
with a cupola for the bell. The present en-
gine house was built in 1867.

The first mention of Eagle Fire Company,
No. I, is on June 10, 1843. It had previously
been called Fire Engine Company, No. i.

The Ballston Spa Hook and Ladder Star
Company was organized in August, 1843.

ENGINE HOUSE No. 1.

Matt Lee Hook and Ladder Company, which won the State Championship in the prize

drill, under Edward J. Sweeney, drill master.

1818, three-and-a-half years later. It took
the name of Fire Engine Company, No. i.
The following were its members : Wm. A.
Langworthy, captain; Andrew Watrous, as-
sistant captain ; Simeon P. Allcott, Rowland
A. Wright, Eli Barnum, John Merchant, Av-
ery Swan, David Sprague, Anson Buel, Jabez
Smith, Nehemiah Barber, William Ford, Cor-
nelius Jones, George Lockwood, Stephen
Lockwood, Isaac Seaman, Jacob Van Der-
heyden, James Jack, Lyman S. Ballard, Ste-
phen Peckham, Henry H. Langworthy, Ulys-
ses F. Doubleday, Lyman B. Langworthy,
Erasmus D. Smith, James B. Grant.

Engine House No. i, was first located on
the southwest comer of Bath and Walnut
streets, on a lot owned by John Wait. In 1845

This company was merged with Eagle Fire
Company a few years later.

The equipment of Eagle Fire Company was
a first-class hand engine made by Button &
Company, of Waterford; two hose carts, and
ladders and pike poles.

Star Fire Company, No. 2, at the north-
end, was organized September 28, 1855, with
the following members : Adam Wilber,
Charles E. Jones, Anthony Tarrant, David
Sears, William F. Posson, George Foster,
Marshall Vaughn, John Spicer, Hiram Hovey,
N. Reed Vandenburgh, John B. Thomas,
George Burnham, John Vandenburgh, Or-
ville D. Vaughn, Gideon A. Tripp, Hezekiah
Middlebrook, Ephraim Tripp, Smith Hovey,
John Whitford, Michael H. Smith, Wm. W.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

109

Arnold, David F. Barton, Nathan Fury,
George Caneff, Wm. H. Hull, James V. Den-
ton, Wallace Mcintosh, Alexander Hays, Wil-
liam Webb, Abram Van Epps, John Calkins,
Henry I. Davis, John Webb, James Irish,

Reid, John M. Waterbury, Alfred J. Rowell,
Loren Allen, Abram Coons, L. E. Miller, E.
C. Hoyt, Jacob Allen, Wallace Young, Henry
C. Dye, Warren Earl, Robert Morrison, J. S.
Thomas, George M. Winne, Smith Hovey,

UNION HOSE COMPANY No. 2.
This Company also won the irtate Championship in the prize drill.

Egbert Davis, John F. Burtles, John Coon,
David Sheffer, Thomas Spicer.

J. A. Hovey Hook and Ladder Company,
No. I, was organized July ii, 1868. The
charter members were Charles H. Wickham,
Seth Whalen, Robert J. Allison, Henry Lu-
ther, John D. Wait, John H. Arnold, John N.
Ramsdill, Samuel Massey, S. B. Lanehart,
Swits Walls, George H. Parkinson, A. J.

Bracey Shepherd, Gideon Anderson, William
Massey. February 16, 1887, the name of the
company was changed to Matt Lee Hook and
Ladder Company, No. i. The rooms of the
company are in Engine House No. i, on Bath
street.

Union Fire Company, No. 2, was organ-
ized February 7, 1877, in place of Star Fire
Company, which disbanded four days earlier.

CENTEXXIAL HISTOR Y OF BALLSTON SPA

The following were charter members of the
new company : W. B. H. Outt, A. M. Shep-
herd, Smith Hovey, W. W. Brown, H. W.
Haight, James Dunk, P. N. V'iele, C. Fred
Wheeler, John H. Arnold, Richard Barron.
George Ayers, C. Rouse, N. M. Estabrook,
George W. Oakley, Charles Parks, William
Parks, Royal M. Parks, John H. Smith, Chris.
Herzog, F. E. Stewart, C. Webster, James
Wood, George Caneff. James W. Irish. Em-

number of hydrants, a good supply of hose,
and the high gravity pressure affording ample
fire protection.

WATER WORKS.

The first franchise for village water works
was granted to Isaac Rice, May lo, 1826, and
thirteen years later, in 1839, the privileges
granted to Rice were transferred to Dr. Sam-
uel Freeman, and in July, 1840, Amaziah Ford

THE RESERVOIR— BALLSTON SP.'^. W.A.1 i-.R W URK.S

mett Lee, G. B. Yott, James Clute, C. B.
Irish, Orin Osgood, W. W. Garrett, John Par-
ent, Paul Lauderville, A. J. Reid, John How-
ard, James Bourst, David Thompson.

This company was equipped with a Button
hand engine of great power, a hose cart, and
hooks and ladders. The handsome brick
building which they now occupy, stands on
the site of the earlier frame house, on the
west side of Milton avenue, a little north of
the Kayaderosseras bridge.

Until 1870, when hydrants were established,
the village depended on the two hand en-
gines for protection from fires, and they were
kept for use on the higher grounds until the
erection of the stand-pipe in 1900. Since that
time they have been abandoned, the large

and Joseph Kelso were granted the same
privileges. Nothing seems to have been done
under these franchises.

The inhabitants of the village were sup-
plied with drinking water until 1869 by wells ;
and by the private springs of Richard Chase,
James M. Cook, George Thompson and Ed-
win H. Chapman, the water being conducted
through wooden logs, with a boring two
inches in diameter.

For fire purposes there were a number of
small reservoirs or cisterns, to which the sur-
face water was conducted. There were three
such reservoirs on High street, and three on
Front street. The streams were used in other
parts of the village.

July 23, 1868, a public meeting was held

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

111

in Waverly Hall, and it was voted to bond
the village for $20,000 to construct water
works. Water mains were laid through the
streets, fire hydrants established, and the res-
ervoir known as the Palmerton reservoir, just
beyond the northern limits of the village, was
constructed. A larger supply of water being
required to meet the needs of the village, the
large reservoir near Cady Hill was built some
years later. To secure greater elevation for
fire purposes, and a better supply for residents
on the high grounds, the stand-pipe on Low's
hill was erected in 1900, and two streams of
pure spring water added to the supply. To
day Ballston Spa has a first-class system of
water works, and a potable water which ranks
among the best in the State. The cost to the
corporation has been, in round numbers
$200,000.

With the opening of the sewage disposal
plant the past summer, the village now has a
perfect system of sewers. An appropriation
of $100,000 was required to construct and
equip the plant.

THE POST-OFFICE.

The first record of a post-office in the vil-
lage is in the possession of Mr. Herbert C.
Westcot, whose ancestors were among the ear-
liest inhabitants. The document is a certifi-
cate of appointment of Joshua B. Aldridge as
"Deputy Postmaster at Ballstown Springs, N
Y." It is dated November 30, 1797. April i,
1798, Mr. Aldridge was appointed postmaster
at Ballston Springs, the Post-Office Depart-
ment having dropped the "w."

Joel Lee was appointed postmaster March
25, 1805, and held the office continuously for
thirty-six years. July 28, 1825, the name was
changed to Ballston Spa, and June 18, 1829,
the ''Spa" was dropped, the post-office being
simply "Ballston." Efforts were made at dif-
ferent times to have the "Spa" restored, so
that the names of village and postoffice should
correspond, but without effect, until in 1890
Mr. C. H. Grose, publisher of the Ballston
Journal, took up the matter with the Depart-
ment at Washington. His efforts were suc-
cessful, and May 16, 1890, the postoffice name
was made identical with that of the village—
Ballston Spa.

James W. Horton succeeded Joel Lee June
4, 1841. The postmasters since this time have

been: George Thompson, appointed Decem-
ber 28, 1844; James Comstock, June 23, 1849;
James H. Speir, December 6, 185 1; Moses
Williams, May 24, 1853 ; M. Lemet Williams,
March 22, 1861 ; James O. Leach, May 13,
1869; Mrs. Aurelia C. Leach, March 23, 1881 ;
Merritt J. Esmond, February 13, 1882; Ed-
ward F. Grose, February 5, 1883; Charles O.
McCreedy, June 16, 1885 ; Frank Jones, Sep-
tember 6, 1889; Henry C. Dater, March 20,
1894; Frank Jones, March 22, 1898; Hiro J.
Settle, February 13, 1905.

The postoffice is in the Sans Souci block on
Front street, and is admirably planned for the
convenience of the public. The city free deliv-
ery was instituted November i, 1905, and has
given general satisfaction. This office also
has charge of five Rural Free Delivery routes,
which include the town of Milton ; the north-
western part of the town of Malta ; the north-
ern half of the town of Ballston to a short
distance south of Ballston Centre; on the west
the route extends for about one mile into the
town of Galway; on the north into the town
of Greenfield as far as South Greenfield and
Page's Corners; and into the southwestern
part of the town of Saratoga Springs as far as
Cady Hill.

Hiro J. Settle is the present postmaster,
and Charles A. Marvin, assistant postmaster.
Clerks, Warren C. McCreedy, William V. Pa-
gan, Miss Olga Reid ; City Carriers, James D.
Reid, Charles G. Crippen, James L. North-
rup; Rural Carriers, John H. Potter, Lyman
Damon, Arthur D. Coon, Eugene H. Brough-
ton, Leonard J. Weed.

The Ballston Journal of June 5, 1849, gave
notice to the electors who voted for General
Taylor for President, that a meeting would
be held at the hotel of R. Chase on June 9, to
select a candidate for Postmaster. The notice
was signed by James Comstock. Reuben West-
' cot, James M. Allcott and Nathaniel J. Seely,
candidates. The vote resulted in the choice
of James Comstock, and he received the ap-
pointment. This is the only instance in the
history of the village of the postmaster being
chosen by ballot.

RAILROADS.

The event of greatest importance in the
development and growth of the village was
the building of the Saratoga and Schenectady

112

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Railroad from Saratoga to Schenectady, which
was begun in 183 1 and completed in 1832,
and the Rensselaer and Saratoga Railroad,
built in 1833, from Troy to Ballston Spa.
These were respectively the second and third
steam railroads in the State, the first road
being from Albany to Schenectady.

The first train was run over the road from
Schenectady to Ballston on July 7th, 1832.
The train of three "carriages," as they were

house now stands, and was built in 1832. In
1849 ^ "^w station was built on the site of the
present station, which was erected in 1900.

Harvey Loomis, the proprietor of the Sans
Souci, built "The Arcade" over the railroad
tracks at Low street in 1823. The passenger
trains stopped under The Arcade to accom-
modate the guests of the Sans Souci.

The first franchise for an Electric Railroad
was granted in 1890, the road to run from

"D. & H." R. R. STATION, BALLSTON SPA.

then called, was drawn by the locomotive
"Fire-Fly," brought from England. The time
occupied in the run was one hour and twenty-
eight minutes. The "Fire-Fly" for many
years stood in the railroad shops at Green
Island, and is now preserved in the Smithso-
nian Institute at Washington.

The rails used were long strips of iron,
three inches wide and half an inch thick,
nailed to one edge of a horizontal timber about
eight inches square. A piece of one of these
primitive rails is in the High School museum
in this village. Both locomotives and horses
were used to draw the trains during the first
year.

The first railroad station was on Bath
street, south of the tracks, where the flagman's

Ballston Spa to Saratoga Springs. A num-
ber of franchises were granted at later dates,
all of which were forfeited. The Saratoga
Traction Company secured a franchise in
1899, and built the road from this village to
Saratoga Springs, which is now a part of the
system of The Hudson Valley Railway Com-
pany.

In 1896 a franchise was granted to Arthur
B. Paine and associates, and the Ballston
Terminal Railroad was constructed. This
road runs through the beautiful Kayaderos-
seras valley from Ballston Spa to Middle
Grove, a distance of twelve miles. The com-
pany is now known as the Eastern New York
Railroad Company. Their business consists
largely in carrying freight for the large num-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

113

ber of mills on the Kayaderosseras. The ex-
tension of the road through Galway to Am-
sterdam and Johnstown is contemplated at an
early day.

The Schenectady and Saratoga electric
road was opened in 1905. It is a double track
road, and is one of the finest in the State.

William Porter, now one of our oldest resi-
dents, has a record of long and faithful ser-
vice as a railroad employee almost, if not
quite, without a parallel. He began work at

Saratoga & Schenectady Rail Road.

N and afler this day, and antii further notice. Care
will run 83 follows :

From Sclionecladf going IMortls.

Ist Train leaves Schenectady at 8 A. M.
2d- . .. .. 8J P M.

From Saratoga going South*

1st Train leaves- Saratoga, at 12 W.
2d 5i P. M.

Ma; 28, 1849.

L. R. SARGENT, Sup-t.
llltf

Old Advertisement.

the railroad station in this village in 1844, at
the age of fifteen, when the late George Bab-
cock was station agent, and continued in ser-
vice, in different positions, until about two
years ago, when he retired from active work,
after a service of sixty-one years in the same
place.

TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE.

The first telegraph office was opened in
the Railroad Station in 1853, nine years
after Samuel F. B. Morse transmitted the
first telegraphic message from Washington
to Baltimore. The ofiice was in charge
of George Babcock. The Ballston Journal
of February 8, 1853, says: "With proper
encouragement and patronage on the part
of our citizens the office will be sustained, and
may even be made profitable."

The Western Union office still remains in
the station. The Postal Telegraph has an of-
fice on Bath street, between Front and Walnut
streets.

The first system of telephones was estab-
lished in the village in 1882. This system is
now operated by the Hudson River Telephone
Company.

The Commercial Union Telephone Com-
pany was granted a franchise in 1901, and
began business the following year.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.

The mineral springs of Ballston Spa were
the first source of the prosperity and growth
of the village. As the springs gradually failed,
from unknown causes, still greater prosperity
was assured to the village through its manu-
facturing industries. Indeed, the building of
dams on Gordon creek and the Kayaderos-
seras was given as one of the causes of the
decadence of the springs, no less an authority
than Benjamin Silliman, the distinguished
professor of chemistry at Yale College, say-
ing that the holding back of these streams by
the power dams erected, had doubtless caused
the fresh water to find its way in large quan-
tities through seams in the shale rocks, and to
mingle with the sources of the mineral water,
thus destroying their medicinal value. Others
attributed the loss of the springs to repeated
attempts to improve the water and increase
the supply by retubing.

When an attempt was made to retube the
Public Well (the original spring), Joshua B.
Aldridge predicted the ruin of the spring.
Protesting very earnestly, he said: "My
house is full of boarders; you might as well
burn it down and destroy my business that
way as to tamper with that spring." Had
the present method of tubing deep wells, and
the use of the seed-bag been known in those
days, the history of this locality would doubt-
less have been very materially changed.
Whatever the cause, the springs failed, one
by one, and Ballston Spa, which for half a
century had maintained its supremacy as the
first watering place and most renowned sum-
mer resort in America, was soon far outstrip-
ped by the sister village of Saratoga Springs,
which has since become the world's most fa-
mous watering place.

The excellent water power furnished by the
Kayaderosseras now commanded attention,
and manufactories sprang up along the
stream, not only in the village, but also up the
stream as far north as Rock City Falls, all
being tributary to the business growth and
permanent prosperity of Ballston Spa.

114

CENTENNIAL HISTORY Of BALLSTON SPA

BANKS.

The first Bank in Saratoga County was the
Saratoga County Bank, at Waterford, estab-
lished in 1830. Among the members of the
first board of directors were Samuel Cook, of
Ballston Spa, and Miles Beach, of Saratoga
Springs. In the year 1878, nearly half a cen-
tury later, we find that Ballston Spa was still
represented in the board, by John W. Thomp-
son.

cashier ; John J. Lee, teller. Mr. Cook con-
tinued as president until January, 1856, when
he resigned to accept the appointment of Su-
perintendent of the State Banking Depart-
ment. John W. Thompson was elected presi-
dent February 26, 1856. Isaac Fowler on
April 1st accepted the cashiership of a bank
at Saratoga Springs, and John J. Lee was
then promoted to cashier, and Robert Bennett
was chosen teller. Mr. Bennett died in 1872.

i^<!MjS%^u,.jiim

BALLSTON SPA BANKS AND SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.

The second Bank was the Ballston Spa
Bank, organized in 1838. Prior to this time
the banking business of the village was done
at Schenectady, Waterford and Troy. Upon
the passage of the general banking law of the
State in 1838, James M. Cook at once took
steps toward instituting a Bank in Ballston
Spa, and late that year the organization was
completed, and tlie Bank commenced business
May 15, 1839. The first board of directors
were James M. Cook, John W. Thompson,
Lebbeus Booth, Jonathan S. Beach, Isaac
Frink, Anson Brown, Samuel Freeman, Eli
Barnum, Stephen Smith, Jolm Kelley, Har-
vey Chapman, Philip H. McOmber, Samuel
Hides. James M. Cook was chosen president ;
Lebbeus Booth, vice-president; Isaac Fowler,

George L. Thompson succeeded him as teller.
On the death of John J. Lee in 1887, Mr.
Thompson became cashier, and was elected
president after the decease of his father, John
W. Thompson, in 1892. He was president
until his death, December 29, 1895. Andrew
S. Booth became president in January, 1896.
Thomas Kerley was chosen teller in 1887, and
cashier in 1892, succeeding George L. Thomp-
son in both positions. Egbert Clute was the
successor of Thomas Kerley as tpHer in 1892.
In 1865 the Bank was reorganized under
the national banking law as the Ballston Spa
National Bank. The present officers are An-
drew S. Booth, president ; William G. Ball,
vice-president; Thomas Kerley, cashier; Eg-
bert Clute and Charles O. McCreedy, Jr., tell-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

115

ers. The Directors for 1907 are William G.
Ball, Andrew S. Booth, John H. Burke, Theo-
dore S. Haight, Thomas Kerley, William H.
Knickerbacker, James T. Sweetman.

The First National Bank of Ballston Spa
was organized April i, 1865. The first di-
rectors were Hiro Jones, James W. Horton,
Henry A. Mann, James O. Leach, William
Warner, Elisha Comstock, A. S. Whitlock,
L. W. Bristol, John McLean, John D. Ban-
croft, Rensselaer Ketchum, John H. Westcot,
C. M. Noxon. At the first meeting of the di-
rectors Hiro Jones was elected president;
Henry A. Mann, vice-president; J. D. Ban-
croft, cashier; George C. Beecher, teller. Ste-
phen C. Medbery succeeded Mr. Beecher as
teller, September 3, 1866. On the resignation,
on account of ill health, of Hiro Jones, March
5, 1S79, Hon. George West was chosen presi-
dent, and on the decease of Mr. West in 1901,
Hon. J. S. L'Amoreaux was elected his suc-
cessor. Mr. Bancroft removed to Kansas
City, Mo., in December, 1S81, and Mr. Med-
bery succeeded him as cashier.

The present officers of the Bank are J. S.
L'Amoreaux, president; H. J. Donaldson,
vice-president; S. C. Medbery, cashier; R. M.
Medbery, teller. The board of directors are
J. S. L'Amoreaux, H. J. Donaldson, S. C.
Medbery. D. W. Mabee, M. J. Esmond, W. A.
Mehan, H. C. Westcot, Gilbert T. Seelve, F.
H. Beach.

MANUFACTirRES.

Before the year 1800 Daniel Thomas and
Hezekiah Middlebrook erected dams and es-
tablished grist-mills on the Kayaderosseras.
The Middlebrook mill stood a short distance
west of the site in later years occupied by the
"Blue Mill." The Thomas mill was some dis-
tance further up the stream, about where the
pulp mill is situated. About 1825 Epenetus
White, Jr., erected the mill so long known as
the Red Mill, in the west end of the village,
on Gordon creek. In 1830 Hezekiah Middle-
brook built the high dam and the large .grist-
mill known as the Blue Mill, this building,
with the large additions being now owned
and occupied by the L'nion Bag and Paper
Company. The grist-mills of the present day
are those of Wm. S. Wheeler's Son, on High
street, and of David Lewis, on Malta avenue.

The large brick factory on Gordon creek,

west of Bath street, now one of the tannery
buildings, was erected in 18 13 by Nicholas
Low and Benjamin Peck, for the manufacture
of woolen, cotton and linen goods, the business
name being "The Ballston Spa Company."
The large steam engine to operate the mill
was imported from England. When the fac-
tory had been in operation for three or four
weeks, the great "walking-beam" broke, and
so much damage was done that the enterprise
was abandoned. The building remained un-
occupied, except for a short time as a cider re-
finery, for nearly forty years. About 1850
Messrs. Booth, Wait, Moore, Wakeman and
Thomas, under the name of Wakeman & Com-
pany, purchased the property and began the
manufacture of oil cloth. A few years later
John Wait became sole owner, and continued
the business until his death in 1875. The
building was afterward occupied by Blitters-
dorfT & Company as a paper box factory ; by
Allen & Heaton, manufacturers of emery
wheels, and is now one of the principal build-
ings of the American Hide and Leather Com-
pany.

As early as 1810 John Carter had a tannery
on the small creek which flows across West
High street into Gordon creek. About the
same time Moses Williams had a tannery on
the Kayaderosseras a short distance east of
the Blue Mill. He also carried on a boot and
shoe factory.

Stephen H. White in 1806 was engaged in
the business of fulling, dyeing and dressing
of the home-made cloths of those early days.

The Milton Factory for the carding of wool
was in operation at Factory Village in 1813,
and was still doing business in 1830.

In 1810 Benjamin Hall established an iron-
forge on the small island which for many
years has been known as "Goose island," near
the bridge over the Kayaderosseras. This
island was once a favorite camping ground of
the Mohawks.

In 1836 Jonathan S. Beach and Harvey
Chapman bought seventy-two acres of land
on the east side of Milton street between
North High street and Malta avenue. Soon
after they built the lower dam, and erected a
woolen mill. In 1840 they built a cotton fac-
tory farther east, and in 1844 Beach & Chap-
man erected the third mill, also a cotton mill,
which is now the Island paper mill. A few

116

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

years later these three mills were purchased
by Samuel H. Cook and James M. Cook.
They were operated by the Cooks until 1864,
in manufacturing cotton cloth and patent
seamless cotton bags. Jonas A. Hovey then
bought all this Island property, and the two
larger factories were used for manufacturing
cotton for calicoes.

In 1844 the Ballston Mill^ Company was or-
ganized by Harvey Chapman, Jonathan S.

paper bag mill. In 1865 Mr. Hovey also pur-
chased this mill, thus becoming the owner of
all the factories in the village with the single
exception of the oil-cloth factory. He con-
tinued to operate all the mills until his death
in 1875.

In 1850 Beach & Chapman built the mill
known as the Glen Woolen Mill. This mill
was operated as a blanket and cloth mill by
different parties for more than thirty years.

RED MILL POND, BALLSTON SPA.

Beach, James Thompson, John W. Thomp-
son, George Thompson, Lebbeus Booth and
others. They purchased the land and water-
power west of Milton street, north of Gordon
creek, and south of the property of Blood &
Thomas. The first owners of this land were
Hezekiah Middlebrook and Daniel Thomas.
The Ballston Mill Company erected the Union
Cotton mill on the site of the present Union
Paper mill. Ziba Cook operated this factory,
manufacturing print cloths until 1855, when
the property passed into the hands of Jonas
A. Hovey. The same company built the
brick knitting mill on the hill west of the
Union mill. Chapman & Morris, also Jones
& Bassett, and finally Hiro Jones occupied
this building as a knitting mill. This build-
ing, enlarged by George West, is now the

The mill site is now occupied by the Glen
Pulp Mill, erected by George West in 1882.

J. S. Jones & Company manufactured hoes
in 1853, and for some years did quite an ex-
tensive business.

B. J. Barber had a large planing mill and
foundry on the top of the hill above the Glen
Woolen Mill. He was also the inventor and
manufacturer of a fine water-wheel.

Seth Whalen and Samuel F. Day were also
the inventors of superior water wheels, which
were manufactured in the foundries of Arnold
Harris.

J. B. Cheydleur had an extensive carriage
factory on Milton avenue, on the south bank
of the Kayaderosseras.

The large tannery of Chauncey and Arthur
Parent was on Saratoga avenue, at the turn

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

117

of the street to the north. It was afterward
operated by M. Schwarz & Company for twen-
ty years. The tannery was destroyed by fire
in 1886.

E. H. Chapman began the manufacture of
brick in 1867, on the level ground along the
eastern shore of the Kayaderosseras just
north of the red bridge. He continued the
business for some years, until the clay bank
was exhausted.

company made 21,000,000 paper collars, and
about 5,000,000 paper cuffs.

A short distance north of the corporation
limits, were the axe and scythe works estab-
lished in 1824 by Isaiah Blood. He contin-
ued the business until his death in 1870; it
then passed into the hands of his son-in-law,
Henry Knickerbacker, of New York, who,
some years later sold the works to the Ameri-
can Axe and Edge Tool Company. The

SCYTHE SHOP OF ISAIAH BLOOD UN \'\iV. KAYADEROSSERAS

King & Kosengarten, and Charles Blitters-
dorflf were large manufacturers of paper
boxes. J. L. Hempstead & Company man-
ufactured soap. George E. Knox hoop skirts
and corsets. Farlin Brothers, shirts, collars
and cuffs.

S. F. Day & Company for a few years man-
ufactured telegraph instruments, of which
Mr. Day was the inventor.

The Glen Paper Collar Company organized
in 1868, by Horace J. Medbery and Henry A.
Mann, Jr., for a number of years had one of
the largest establishments of the kind in the
United States. It was located in an exten-
sive addition to the Blue Mill. The com-
pany used the entire output of the large paper
mill of Mann & Lafiin, about two miles up
the Kayaderosseras. In the year 1875 this

scythe shop was destroyed by fire March 13,
1900, and the axe shop was burned a few
years earlier. The shops were not rebuilt,
and the business was transferred to the
works of the company at Glassport, Pa. From
two hundred to three hundred men were em-
ployed in these shops, and the quantity of
goods sold yearly was very large— 12,000
dozen of scythes, 8,000 dozen of axes, and
10,000 dozen of other tools.

All of the foregoing industries in their day
contributed in a greater or less degree to
the making of the Ballston Spa of the pres-
ent. The changes which the hand of Time
writes on the historic page of every com-
munity are strikingly apparent in the record
of our village, none of these industries sur-
viving in Ballston Spa.

118

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Notwithstanding this fact, Ballston Spa to-
day is one of the busiest and most thriving
manufacturing villages in Saratoga county,
and a larger number find employment in its
mills and shops than ever before.

Along the Kayaderosseras from Ballston
Spa to Middle Grove, a distance of twelve
miles, were located in 1861, and for many
years afterward, a number of paper mills,
and a large tannery at Milton Centre. The
paper mills were those of John McLean,
Chauncey H. Cook, afterward Mann & Laf-
lin, L. M. Crane, the Pioneer Mill, at West
Milton, Kilmer's Mill, the Excelsior and
Empire Mills of George West, at Rock City
Falls, and the two mills of Mr. West at Mid-
dle Grove. The shipping station for all these
mills was Ballston Spa, and the enormous
yearly business contributed to swell the vol-
ume of trade credited to the village. All
but three of these paper mills are still in ex-
istence.

INDUSTRIES OF TO-D.\Y.

George West, a native of England, and an
expert paper maker, came to Ballston Spa in
1861, just at the opening of the civil war.
When cotton reached so high a value and was
so scarce, that the manufacture of cotton
bags was well nigh impossible, Mr. West
began the manufacture of bags from manilla
paper, and before he retired from business
about thirty-five years later, was the largest
manufacturer of manilla paper and paper
bags in the world. He started in business by
leasing the Empire Mill at Rock City Falls,
with a capital of about $4,000. ' Within a
year he purchased the mill, and in later years
built and bought other mills along the Kayad-
erosseras. In 1S75 he purchased all the
Hovey mills in Ballston Spa, and was running
night and day ten large mills and was the
largest employer of labor the village has ever
had. His employees numbered more than
five hvmdred, and the business grew to enor-
mous proportions. This business is now in
the control of the Union Bag and Paper Com-
pany.

In 1882 Messrs. Haight & Company pur-
chased the oil-cloth factory and removed
their large tannery business from Milton
Centre to Ballston Spa, the buildings at the
former place iiavint^ been destroyed by fire.

Building after building was added to meet
the increasing business, until the plant as-
sumed its present mammoth dimensions.
After the death of Mr. Haight the business
was conducted by his two sons, H. Vassar
Haight and Theodore S. Haight, and his part-
ner, Matthew Vassar, until the property was
sold to the American Hide and Leather Com-
pany. It is one of the largest manufactories
of fine upper leather in the United States.
About five hundred people are employed.

Two years ago Davison & Namack pur-
chased the foundry of the Messrs. Uline on
Bath street. Their business increased so
rapidly that about a year since they erected
a large foundry in the southeastern part of
the village, near the tracks of the Delaware
& Hudson railroad. Their work is largely
for the General Electric Company at Sche-
nectady, and the business is constantly grow-
ing. They now employ more than one hun-
dred men.

These three leading industries of the vil-
lage give employment to more than one thou-
sand people.

The Eagle Wood Working Company, man-
ufacturers of souvenirs and rustic wood novel-
ties, are located on Milton avenue, northside.

C. H. Streever & Sons, contractors and
builders, have large planing mills and exten-
sive lumber yards.

D. Manogue, contractor and builder, has a
large planing mill and lumber yard on Bath
street.

C. B. Lord is proprietor of the old Arnold
Harris iron foundry on Ford street.

The Sanitation and Supply Company man-
ufacture insect powder, sanitary powder,
stable powder. Zoo cage powder and fumigat-
ing powder, under the trade mark of "No-
smelle." The manufactory is on Middlebrook
street, the business offices being at No. 320
Fifth avenue. New York City.

C. N. Mead has a large bottling business
on Malta avenue, where he manufactures a
superior line of soft drinks of about a dozen
varieties.

M. T. Reynolds is proprietor of the large
planing mill on South street formerly known
as the Eagle Wood and Iron Works of B. J.
Barker and R. C. Vandenburgh.

The Ballston Refrigerating Storage Com-
pany was incorporated in October, 1898. The

UXIOX BAO AXD PAPER COjMPANY PLANT.

SOME OF BALI.^l.'N aPA'S INDUSTRIES.

120

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

brick building opposite the railroad station,
for many years known as Waverly Hall, and
later as Gould Hall, contained the first cold
storage plant of the Company. A very large
addition was erected in 1901, which nearly
quadrupled the storage capacity. It is the
largest cold storage plant in Northern New
York. Louis Schwarz is the manager.

The latest addition to the industrial pur-
suits of the village is the Automobile Garage
of George West, at the corner of Front street
and Milton avenue. It is one of the largest
and most completely equipped establishments
in the State. The machine shop is supplied
with machinery and tools of the finest de-
scription.

MERCANTILE INTERESTS.

It is impossible to mention in detail the
mercantile establishments. To speak of the
stores and shops, and of the men and women
who have been devoted to "trade," for a
period of more than one hundred years would
of itself fill a large volume.

The "general store," the forerunner of the
"department store" of to-day, was the great
institution of the hamlets and villages of
earliest times. Here was to be found the
"post-office ;" and here during the long winter
evenings, gathered around the roaring old
box stove, the village solons discussed the
aflfairs of the town, state and nation. Even
the tap-room of the village tavern possessed
no superior attractions, nor did the villagers
congregate there in greater numbers than at
the "general store."

The first store of this character in Ballston
Spa was that of Epenetus White, Jr., who
erected a store and dwelling house combined,
opposite the spring, about the year 1792. For
more than fifty years Mr. White continued
his business in this store, and it was contin-
uously occupied as a store for almost a cen-
tury, and until the building was burned in
March, 1887.

In 1807, the year of the organization of
the village, the Saratoga Advertiser published
at Court House Hill, contained the follow-
ing Ballston Spa advertisements :

Epenetus White, Jun., & Co., dry goods
and groceries, hardware and crockery.

Archy Kasson and Amos Allcott, under
the firm name of Kasson & Alcott, successors

to D. & A. Alcott, "inform the public that
they will continue the business of nail and
tin makers; also dry goods, groceries, hard-
ware and crockery."

Barnum & Loomis were saddlers and har-
ness makers; Nathan Lewis, merchant tailor;
and William E. Slocum, of Milton advertises
his carding machine.

Elias P. Langworthy, who was a skilled
mechanic as well as an able preacher of the
gospel, tenders his services to the public as a
watch and clock maker, jeweler and gun-
smith ; also hardware for sale.

Danforth Charles manufactured boots and
shoes ; Grant Powell was a druggist ; John
Warren dealt in dry goods and groceries, and
Samis Blakely was a "white and black smith."

"Shepherd's Grist Mill," was advertised
by the proprietor, William Shepherd.

William Anthony divided the watch-mak-
ing business with Elder Langworthy; and
Stephen H. White conducted the business of
"fulling, dyeing and dressing of cloths."

Joel Lee conducted a "general store," in
which the post-office was located.

From the fact that even in those early
years every man engaged in business made
it known through the local papers, one may
be quite confident that the foregoing fully
represents the business of the little village at
that time.

We have no copy of a village paper from
1807 until the year 1813. The Independent
American, meantime had been purchased by
James Comstock, and removed to Ballston
Spa, and we learn from a reading of the ad-
vertisements that during this period Moses
Williams has established himself in business
as a shoemaker, and is about to start a tan-
nery ; Samuel Smith has engaged in mer-
chant tailoring, and Mrs. Flint is a milliner
and mantua maker.

A bookstore, with a reading-room attach-
ment, is kept by Mr. Comstock, of the
"American," and Reuben Sears also has a
bookstore. In 1815 R. Westcot & Co. adver-
tise a "New Store" for the sale of dry goods,
groceries, and crockery. In 1818 the "Co."
disappeared from the advertisement, and
Reuben Westcot announced the addition of
a complete stock of dnigs and medicines. In
later years the firm became R. Westcot & Son,
the dry goods and grocery department was

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

121

given up, and the firm continued as Druggists.
On the death of Reuben Westcot, he was suc-
ceeded by his son, John H. Westcot, who
carried on the business until his death in 1895.
The business has since been conducted by
Herbert C. Westcot, son of John H. Westcot.
Estabhshed by Reuben Westcot nearly one
hundred years ago, it is the only instance, in
the history of the village, of a business con-
tinuously maintained in the same family from
earliest times to the present.

In 1815, Al'cott & Langworthy were asso-
ciated in the hardware business ; and Joel Lee
and Eli Barnum, as "Lee & Barnum" were
running a general store. The second drug
store in town was opened during this year by
John Bennett.

In 1820 Joel Marble, stone cutter, removed
from Court House Hill to the village, and
very appropriately advertises white marble
headstones.

In 1 82 1 Allcott & Langworthy added a
foundry to their hardware business, and man-
ufactured plows and harrows.

In 1822 Miss Katie Bradley, milliner and
mantua maker, makes her bow to the public
in the columns of the village papers. Heze-
kiah Cutler advertises a chair factory; Ed-
ward A. Watrous has removed his general
store from Court House Hill to Ballston Spa.

In 1823 Lyman B. Langworthy, son of
"Elder" Langworthy, advertises as a dealer
in hardware and stoves. This was the first
store to deal exclusively in hardware.

In 1825 Robert Bennett advertises hats,
caps and gentlemen's goods; and the an-
nouncement of saddle and harness making
by Czar H. Benedict appears. Mrs. Peck-
ham also advertises her millinery store.

In 1 83 1 Samuel Hides, " black and white
smith," announces that he has just opened a
shop for general "Smithy" business, fully
equipped for doing the best work.

In 1834 Joel Lee took his son Edward W.
into partnership, with the firm name of Joel
Lee & Son!

In 1837 Parent & Ashley established a hat
factory.

In 1836 John McKown announces that he
has just opened a cabinet ware factory, east
of the Sans Souci, and says, "most kinds of
country produce received in payment for cab-
inet work." His "factory" stood where the

Tracy block is now located. Mr. McKown
was also an undertaker, and continued in busi-
ness for half a century.

In this year James W. Horton began busi-
ness as a druggist, from which he retired
when elected county clerk in 1845. In this
year, also, Arnold Harris and James H. Speir
engaged in the hardware business, the firm
being Speir & Harris.

In 1837 Harvey N. Hill opened a "new gro-
cery and provision store"; after a lapse of
seventy years we find his son-in-law, George
M. Cook, of the Cook-Phillips Company, en-
gaged in the same business.

In this year Bernard McKittrick, father of
Capt. Wm. H. McKittrick, of Mexican and
civil war fame, advertised a hat factory. Syl-
vester Blood, successor of Blood & Davis, was
a hardware merchant; and Harvey Chapman
and John D. Hale, as Chapman & Hale, dealt
in dry goods, groceries, etc. This store was
in the brick building known as the Clapp
building, on Milton avenue. In later years
Russell P. Clapp succeeded to the business.
On his appointment as Secretary of the Troy
Steamboat company the store was closed.

In 1845 Edward W. Lee succeeded to the
general store business of Joel Lee & Son. The
store of Joel Lee for forty years was on the
corner now occupied by the First National
Bank.

George R. Thomas opened a hardware store
in this year, at the corner of Milton avenue
and Ford street. The firm was afterward
Jones & Thomas. They were succeeded by
J. S. & J. B. Thomas ; Joesph S. Thomas and
C. E. Tallmadge. The store is now occupied
by F. W. Watts, plumber.

John Barrett also opened a boot and shoe
store on Front street the same year.

In 1847 O. D. Vaughn's marble works are
advertised ; Wm. W. Arnold has opened a
large furniture store on South street, and John
J. Luther is a maker of saddles and harness.

In 1848 George W. Lee and Henry A.
Mann, as Lee & Mann, are conducting a gen-
eral store at the south east corner of Front
and Bath streets, and Anthony Hicks is sell-
ing boots and shoes in his store on Front
street, nearly opposite.

In 1846 James F. Peckham, a native of
Ballston Spa, learned the trade of harness
maker, and opened a shop in 1852, which he

122

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

conducted successfully for fifty-three years,
retiring from business two years ago.

About the same time, his cousin, George
W. Peckham opened a blacksmith shop and
continued the business until his death about
five years ago. For forty years he occupied
the well-known shop, built by him, on Ham-
ilton street.

Abram Gary was at this time engaged in
the boot and shoe business on Milton avenue.
He was a shoemaker by trade, and also kept
a good stock of ready-made boots and shoes.

In 1848 William Harris announced that he
had "purchased the hardware business of
Arnold Harris, and would continue the same."
Arnold Harris was at this time county treas-
urer, and a year later repurchased the busi-
ness.

In this year L. W. Bristol began business
in Ballston Spa, as a dealer in dry goods,
groceries, crockery, etc., first door north of
the Baptist church on Milton avenue. Two
years later he purchased the store of Arthur
Parent, hatter, on Bath street, and retired
from the general store business, to establish
a large business as hatter, furrier, and dealer
in gents' furnishing goods.

In 1852 Magnus Schwarz and Louis
Muhlfelder, under the firm name of M.
Schwarz & Gompany, opened a general store
at the corner of Milton avenue and Ford
street where they continued in business for
about twenty years. Mr. Schwarz then pur-
chased the Parent tannery, which he carried
on until it was burned in 1886.

In 1854 George B. Lawrence opened a har-
ness shop, and for nearly forty j'ears conduct-
ed the business at the corner of Bath and
Washington streets.

From this time until the close of the first
half centur)' of village life, a number of stores
were opened which had an existence of only
a few years. Among the most important
were the stores of .-X. & D. W. Garrett, gen-
eral store ; the Union store ; Francis Bassett,
dry goods; A. P. Hemphill, books; C. E.
Jones, hardware ; Wheeler K. Booth, dry
goods and groceries. During this period R.
T. Wade, who had carried on a large book
store for many years, sold to H. Crapo.

In concluding this sketch of the mercantile
life of our village, we can only mention the
names of those, prominent in business circles,

who have either passed away or have retired
from business. Let it be the pleasant duty of
some future historian to write of the busi-
ness life and business men of the present day.
The names follow :

E. W. Lee, Henry A. Mann, M. Schwarz & Co.,
(Ixiuis Muhlfelder), William Brown, Charles M.
Brown, S. B. Jackson, C. F. Wheeler, general stores;
L. P. Seelye, C. M. Noxon, Albert P. Blood, C. F.
Wiley, J. D. Muhlfelder, T. C. Kelley. dry goods;
L. W. Bristol, hatter and furrier; Samuel Gould,
Samuel Gould, Jr., E. C. Parkinson, William H.
Phillips, George Phillips, grocers; Thomas Padg-
ham, William Devlin, John Byrnes, butchers; M. L.
Williams, John PI. Westcot, Henry Hunt, George
M. Winne, Wm. J. Redmond, Frank E. Mitchell,
druggists ; John Barrett, William H. Dodge, E. D.
Babcock, Wm. H. Stewart, boots and shoes ; Arnold
Harris, A. J. Holdridge, George R. Thomas, John
B. Thomas, Joseph S. Thomas, Charles E. Jones,
Sanford Smith, Wells A. Lafiin, hardware; Eli Set-
tle, Elisha Wickham, Alonzo M. Shepherd, Wm. S.
Wheeler, millers; David Maxwell, George C.
Beecher, John D. Bancroft, Henry C. Dater, M. J. Es-
mond, insurance; John D. Osborn, S. H. Van Steen-
burgh, bakers ; Samuel F. Day, Henry L. West,
Robert A. Merchant, watchmakers and jewelers;
Isaiah Massey, Charles Massey, Charles N. Mc-
Clew, Charles Carpenter, John Larchar, Benjamin
Henry, Morris King, tailors and clothiers: Mrs. A.
P. Blood, Misses Margaret and Anna Van Ness,
Mrs. E. C. Hoyt, Mrs. T. C. Kelley, milliners; John
J., Samuel H., and Henry Luther, liquor dealers;
Abner S. Irish, James D. Leroy, James L Boocock,
George Ayers, blacksmiths; Benjamin J. Barber,
Smith Hovey, David Thompson, Abijah Comstock,
Joseph Cole, lumber, and sash and blind shops;
Joseph Horr, N. Reed Vandenburgh, Foster Con-
nery, George Dunn, Anthony M. Smith, James P.
Locklin, William Locklin, carpenters and builders;
S. L. Smith, S. D. Arnold, George E. Knox, dentists;
L. R. Bronk, J. N. Ramsdill, T. J. Arnold, pho-
tographers ; Edward Gilborne, John McKown, Philip
N. Viele, Rush H. Young, Jesse Young, Peter A.
Finley, A. J. Fenton, undertakers.

Among the proprietors of our hotels dur-
ing this period, have been : D. B. Bartlett,
Nathaniel M. Clark, George W. Hall, George
Smith, of the Sans Souci ; S. B. Medbery,
Frank Ctmningham, Medbery's hotel ; Wm.
W. Day, Oliver Shepherd, Martin Lee, Eagle
hotel; Lewis Sickler, Railroad House and
Ballston Spa House ; Simeon B. Lanehart,
Ballston Spa House and Union hotel ; G. W.
Smith, S. M. Arnold, George D. "Story, Balls-
ton Spa House ; H. G. Holmes, Gleason's
hotel ; Henry Harrison, G. T. Peek, James E.
Marsden, Harrison House; Sherman Hayner,
Hayner House.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

123

THE PROFESSIONS.

.\inong those who have attained eminence
in the legal profession, from earliest times to
the present, have been Judge James Thomp-
son, James Emott, son-in-law of Beriah Pal-
mer, later of Poughkeepsie, and known as
Judge Emott of the Supreme Court through-
out the State, Samuel Cook, John W. Taylor,
Samuel Young, Levi H. Palmer, Anson
Brown, George G. Scott, Abel Meeker, Wil-

man, B. W. Noxon, Joseph G. Smith, and H.
W. Lawrence.

One of the leading institutions of the village
is the Spa Sanatorium, established by Dr. A.
L Thayer in May, 1902. Dr. Thayer pur-
chased the large mansion on High street, for
so many years the home of Judge Scott. The
delightful surroundings, the invigorating ?ir
of the lower Adirondacks, and the Doctor's
medical skill, have conspired to make the San-
atorium a success from the first.

THE SPA .'JANATORIUM, HIGH STREET.
Formerly the residence of Judge George G. Scott.

Ham T. Odell, Clement C. Hill and Theodore
F. Hamilton.

The first physicians to locate in the village
were Drs. Samuel Pitkin and Samuel Free-
man. They were eminent men in their pro-
fession, and practiced with great success for
many years. Dr. Freeman's home was on
High street, where the residence of Mrs. An-
drew Smith is now located. The last years of
his life were spent in Saratoga Springs.
Among Ballston's prominent physicians we
may mention Leverett Moore, for fifty years
the leading practitioner in the village; Drs.
Eliphalet St. John, A. J. Chadsey, D. W. Cul-
ver, Charles T. Harris, Charles H. Andrus,
Levi Weed, Tames F. Doolittic, F. A. Sher-

TKUSTEES AXD PRESIDENTS.

1807-08 — ^Joshua B. Aldridge, Stephen H. White,
Nathan Lewis.

iSog-io — ^Joshua B. Aldridge, Epenetus White,
Jr., Amos AUcott.

1811-12 — Elisha P. Langworlhy, Gideon Luther,
Epenetus White, Jr.

1S13-14 — Elisha P. Langworthy, Epenetus White,
Jr., Archy Kasson.

1815 — Farquhar McBain, Epenetus White, Jr.,
Moses Williams.

1816 — Farquhar McBain, Moses Williams, Amos
B. Allcott.

1817 — Farquhar McBain, Amos Allcott, Elisha
P. Langworthy.

1818— Lyman B. Langworthy, .Andrew Watrous,
Rowland .A.. Wright.

124

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

1819 — Elisha P. Langworthy, Farquhar McBain,
Amos Allcott.

1820-21 — Epenetus White, Farquhar McBain,
David Cory.

1822 — Ehsha P. Langworthy, Epenetus White, Jr.,
David Cory.

1823-4-5 — Elisha P. Langworthy, Epenetus White,
Jr., Farquhar McBain.

1826— Elisha P. Langworthy, Jonathan Williams,
Edward Watrous.

1827 — Thomas Palmer, Stephen Seaman, Andrew
Watrous.

1828 — Thomas Palmer, Samuel Smith, Hiram
Middlebrook.

1829 — Samuel Smith, Alpheus Goodrich, Hiram
Middlebrook.

1830 — James M. Cook, Czar H. Benedict, Joseph
B. Mellen.

1831 — Thomas Palmer, .Mpheus Goodrich, Harvey
Loomis.

1832— Philip H. McOmber, Rowland A. Wright,
Robert Bennett.

1833 — Stephen Smith, Jonathan Williams, Joseph
Jennings.

1834 — Oran G. Otis, Stephen Smith, David F.
White.

183s — John W. Taylor, George Thompson, Jona-
than S. Beach.

1836 — John Carter, Jr., William G. Weed, James
Remington.

1837 — Stephen Fuller, Stephen Smith, Reuben
Westcot.

1838 — Stephen Fuller, Jesse K. Manning, Reuben
Westcot.

1839 — Lebbeus Booth, Samuel Hides, John Carter.

1840 — John Carter, Joseph Jennings, Rowland A.
Wright.

1841— John Wait, Richard Chase, Mitchell Black.

In 1842 the number of Trustees was increased to
five, and the Board elected one of their number Vil-
lage President.

1842-3 — ^James M. Cook, president; Reuben West-
cot, John Wait, Nathaniel M. Clark, Philip H. Mc-
Omber.

1844 — James M. Cook, president; Nathaniel M.
Clark, Reuben Westcot, Philip H. McOmber, James
W. Horton.

184s — James M. Cook, president ; James W. Hor-
ton, Wheeler K. Booth, Abel Meeker, Samuel Hides.

1846 — Abel Meeker, president; James W. Horton,
Wheeler K. Booth, Samuel H. Cook, Harvey Chap-
man.

1847 — Abel Meeker, president; John McKown,
John Tarrant, Callender Beecher, Samuel H. Cook.

1848 — Samuel H. Cook, president; Abel Meeker,
Edward W. Lee, Richard Chase, Amos W. Cook.

1849 — Abel Meeker, president ; Richard Chase,
Samuel H. Cook. Squire Burnett, John McKown.

1850 — George Thompson, president; Job Collamer,
Albert D. W. Garrett, Stephen B. Medbery, Hiram
Hall.

1851 — Reuben Westcot, president; Arthur Parent,
John Tarrant, Daniel W. Culver, Albert A. Munn.

1852 — -George Babcock. president ; John Tarrant,
Samuel Hides, George R. Thomas, Anthony Hicks.

1853— William T. Odell, president; James W.
Morris, Anthony Tarrant, Samuel Hides, Lawrence
W. Bristol.

1854 — Lawrence W. Bristol, president; Augustus
J. Goffe, Orville D. Vaughn, Anthony Tarrant, Sid-
ney Dubois.

185s — Reuben Westcot, president; John Wait,
James W. Culver, Edwin H. Chapman, Edwin Hall,

1856 — Edwin H. Chapman, president; Adam Wil-
ber, James W. Culver, John Wait, M. Lemet Wil-
liams.

1857 — ^James O. Leach, president ; Joseph Jennings,
William W. Day, John B. McLean, William W.
Arnold.

1858 — Edward Gilborne, president; James F.
Peckh?m, Alexander Van Epps, James D. Leroy,
John B. Thomas.

1859 — Seymour Chase, president ; David Maxwell,"
Hiro Jones, James Allison, John S. Ford.

i860 — Hiro Jones, president ; David Maxwell,
James Allison, Seymour Chase, John S. Ford. ■

1861 — Albert P. Blood, president; Hiram M.
Sherman, George W. Chapman, Jesse S. L'Amor-
eaux, John H. Wescot.

1862 — David Maxwell, president : Lawrence W.
Bristol, Michael St. John, Adam Wilber, James D.
Leroy.

1863 — Levi Weed, president ; Michael St. John,
Leverett Moore, John H. Westcot, Hiram M. Sher-
man.

1864 — John Wait, president; Benjamin F. Allen,
Edwin H. Chapman, David Maxwell, Edward D.
Babcock.

186s — David Maxwell, president ; James F. Hurd,
Morgan Lewis, Nelson R. Vandenburgh, William
Warner.

1866-7 — John H. Westcot, president; Henry A.
Mann, Jesse S. L'Amoreaux, Leverett Moore, John
S. Ford.

1868-9 — George G. Scott, president; James F.
Peckham, George Smith, Charles J. Newton, John
B. Thomas.

1870 — Henry A. Mann, president; Charles J. New-
ton, Seth Whalen, Philip N. Viele, David Maxwell.

1871 — Henry A. Mann, president ; S. H. Van
Steenburgh, Alvah C. Dake, James F. Peckham, N.
R. Vandenburgh.

1872-3 — Henry A. Mann, president; Alvah C.
Dake, N. R. Vandenburgh, James F. Peckham, John
H. Westcot.

1874 — Albert P. Blood, president ; William Gar-
rett, Michael Rhatigan, Henry A. Mann, James F.
Peckham.

1875 — Henry A. Mann, president; Stephen C.
Medbery, Smith Hovey, Joseph S. Thomas, George
M. Winne.

1876 — Stephen C. Medbery, president; Smith
Hovey, Joseph E. Westcot, John Brown, Frank Cun-
ningham.

1877 — Stephen C. Medbery, president; Jacob D.
.Mien Jeremiah Griffin, Joseph E. Westcot, Joseph
S. Thomas.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

125

1878 — George West, Jr., president; Jeremiah Grif-
fin, Jacob D. Allen, Joseph E. Westcot, Alonzo M.
Shepherd.

1879 — Alonzo M. Shepherd, president; Rush H.
Young, James F. Peckham, Abijah Comstock,
George R. Beach.

1880 — Alonzo M. Shepherd, president; Rush H.
Young, Abijah Comstock, Stephen C. Medbery,
Jeremiah Griffin.

1881 — Rush H. Young, president; Jeremiah Grif-
fin, John F. Holmes, John H. Van Steenburgh,
Henry Lowry.

1882 — Jeremiah Griffin, president; Owen Sweeney,
John H. Van Steenburgh, John F. Holmes, Abijah
Comstock.

1883— Alfred N. Wiley, president; Henry Harri-
son, Charles M. Brown, James Dunk, Riley B.
Palmer.

1884— Alfred N. Wiley, president; Henry Harri-
son, N. R. Vandenburgh, James Dunk, Douglass W.
Mabee.

In 1885 for the first time the village President was
elected by the People, and the term of the Trustees
was made two years, three being elected in one
year, and two in the alternate years.

1885 — Stephen C. Medbery, president; Henry Har-
rison, Douglass W. Mabee, N. R. Vandenburgh,
James A. Burnham, James F. Robinson.

1886 — Rush H. Young, pre^sident; Henry Harri-
son, Douglass W. Mabee, N. R. Vandenburgh,
Smith Hovey, Willard W. Brown.

1887 — Stephen C. Medbery, president; Smith
Hovey, Willard W. Brown, Douw F. Winney, Eben
S. Lawrence, Daniel A. Foote.

1888 — Stephen C. Medbery, president ; Douw F.
Winney, Eben S. Lawrence, Daniel A. Foote,
Charles M. Arnold, C. Fred Wheeler.

1889 — Stephen C. Medbery, president ; C. Fred
Wheeler, Charles M. Arnold, George E. Settle,
Frank E. Mitchell, Daniel A. Foote.

1890 — Alonzo M. Shepherd, president; George E.
Settle, Frank E. Mitchell, Daniel A. Foote, Frank
J. Holmes, David Thompson.

1891 — Abijah Comstock, president; Frank J.
Holmes, David Thompson, Byron L. Cole, Frank J.
Sherman, Walter Furlong.

1892 — Douglass W. Mabee, president; Byron S.
Cole, Frank J. Sherman, Walter Furlong, Frank J.
Holmes, Smith Hovey.

1893 — Charles O. McCreedy, president; Frank J.
Holmes, Smith Hovey, Frank J. Sherman, Walter
Furlong, George Castle.

1894 — Eben S. Lawrence, president; Frank J.
Sherman, Walter Furlong, George Castle, John Wat-
son, W. Odell Sweet.

189s — Eben S. Lawrence, president; John Watson,
W. Odell Sweet, Lyman D. Sherwood, Henry
Haight, Frank R. Wilson.

1896— Thomas Finley, president; Lyman D. Sher-
wood, Henry Haight, Frank R. Wilson, W. Odell
Sweet, William Clements.

1897— Douglass W. Mabee, president; W. Odell
Sweet, William. Clements, Thomas J. Tracy, Daniel

A. Foote, David Thompson.

In 1898 the number of Trustees was increased to
six, three to be elected each year.

1898— Douglass W. Mabee, president; Albert H.
Van Arnem, Henry Miller, John L. Thomas,
Thomas J. Tracy, David Thompson, Daniel A.
Foote.

1899— Charles O. McCreedy, president; Albert H.
Van Arnem, Henry Miller, John L. Thomas, Douw
F. Winney, W. Odell Sweet, Willard W. Brown.

1900 — Charles 0. McCreedy, president; Douw F.
Winney, W. Odell Sweet, Willard W. Brown, Wil-
liam S. Waterbury, Thomas W. Brown, Albert H.
Van Arnem.

1901 — Stephen C. Medbery, president; William
S. Waterbury, Thomas W. Brown, Albert H. Van
Arnem, Irving W. Wiswall, John N. Hutchins, Hugh
S. Finley.

1902 — Stephen C. Medbery, president : Irving W.
Wiswall, John N. Hutchins, Hugh S. Finley, Wil-
liam S. Waterbury, Albert H. Van Arnem, Charles

B. Cole.

1903 — Stephen C. Medbery, president ; William S.
Waterbury, Albert H. Van Arnem, Charles B. Cole,
Irving W. Wiswall, John Corning, Hugh S. Finley.

1904 — Stephen C. Medbery, president; Irving W.
Wiswall, John Corning, Hugh S. Finley, Charles B.
Cole, Dennis Manogue, William S. Waterbury.

1905 — Stephen C. Medbery, president ; Charles B.
Cole, Dennis Manogue, William S. Waterbury, Alex-
ander T. McKinnon, John Corning, Hugh S. Finley.

1906 — Iri'ing W. Wiswall, president; Alexander
T. McKinnon, John Corning, Hugh S. Finley,
Leander Spicer, George W. Miller, Edwin T. Nor-
man.

1907 — Irving W. Wiswall, president ; Leander
Spicer, George W. Miller, John Corning, Hugh S.
Finley, William S. Waterbury, Nelson F. Pitts.

OLD COURT HOUSE.

NEW COURT HOUSE.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

127

The County Seat

ON the seventh day of February, 1791,
Saratoga County was set off from
Albany County by an Act of the
Legislature, which enacted that the
county "shall be one separate and distinct
county, and be called and known by the name
of Saratoga."

Governor Clinton immediately appointed
officials for the new county, as follows:
John Thompson of Stillwater, first judge;
James Gordon and Beriah Palmer of Ball-
ston. Jacobus Van Schoonhoven of Half-
moon, and Sidney Berry of Saratoga,
judges; Jacob Fort, Jr., of Halfmoon, sher-
iff; Dirck Swart of Stillwater, clerk; Sidney
Berry of Saratoga, surrogate; Guert Van
Schoonhoven of Halfmoon, treasurer.

Two years later, in 1794, a commission was
appointed to locate the county seat, and to ■
build a court-house and jail. Ballston Vil-
lage, later known as Academy Hill, con-
tested with a thriving settlement which had
grown up around the Presbyterian church in
the locality now known as Milton Hill, for
the location of the county capital. While the
claims of these two rivals were being strong-
ly pressed, Edward A. Watrous, who lived
on the hill on the "middle line," offered to
give the county a site on his farm, to be pub-
lic property so long as occupied by the court
house and jail. The offer was accepted by
the commission, and Ballston became the
shire town, and Court House Hill the county
seat.

The first court in the county was a session
of the Court of Common Pleas held May 10,
1791, at the residence of Samuel Clark, on the
"east line road," in the present town of Malta.
From this time until the completion of the
Court House in 1796, the courts were held
in the "red meeting house" in Ballston. The
May term, 1796, of the Common Pleas and
Court of Sessions was the first court held in
the new court house.

The court house and jail was burned dur-
ing the night of March 23, 1816. The Inde-
pendent American, published in Ballston Spa,
gave the following account of the fire:

"On Sunday morning last at one o'clock a fire
broke out in the northwest corner of the court
house in the town of Ballston, which had so pro-
gressed before it was discovered that all attempts
at quelling it proved abortive. The air was very
still, otherwise the contiguous buildings must have
shared the same fate. One of the prisoners, named
George Billings, who was chained to the floor, was
unfortunately consumed. Four prisoners, Shearer,
Davis, (colored), Cole and Drapoo, made their es-
cape. Two of them have since been retaken, to
wit: Shearer and Davis. A court of enquiry was
instituted in this village, and from their examina-
tion on the subject of the fire did not hestitate to
give it as their opinion that the fire was communi-
cated to the building by one or more of the
prisoners."

At this time, through the development of
the mineral springs, Ballston Spa and Sara-
toga Springs had become the chief centers of
population in the county. Each village now
put forth its claims for the location of the
county seat within their respective limits. The
question was again determined by an offer
of land. Mr. Nicholas Low, of Ballston Spa,
offered as a free gift to the county the land
on which the court house and county clerk's
office now stand. The offer was accepted,
and Ballston Spa became the county seat. This
resulted not only in making this village the
official center of the county, but the political
center also.

The new court house and jail, erected in
1 8 19, was a handsome brick building, and
enlarged and improved in later years, was
occupied tmtil 1889, when it was demolished
and the present court house and jail, and
jailor's residence took its place. This build-
ing was greatly enlarged and improved in
1904.

From the erection of the county in 1791
until the year 1824, the records of the county
were kept at the homes of the various county

128

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

clerks. In this year the old county clerk's
office was built on Front street. It was
a stone building, and its builders believed it
to be large enough to accommodate the coun-
ty records for all time. They were mistaken,

County Clerk's Office— 1824.

however, and in 1866 the clerk's office on
High street was built. Tliis building was
enlarged in 1904 to more than double its
former size.

CIVIL LIST.

The following residents of the village have
been honored with public office since the
year 1801 :

Presidential Elector — George L. Thompson,
1884 ; voted for Grover Cleveland.

Representatives in Congress — John W. Taylor,
1813 to 1833; .A.nson Brown, 1839; George West,
1881 to iSSs, 1887.

State Treasurer — James M. Cook, 1852.

State Comptroller — James M. Cook, 1854.

Superintendent Banking Department — James M.
Cook, 1856 to 1862.

Canal Commissioner — George W. Chapman,
1870.

Superintendent Public Instruction — Neil Gil-
mour, 1874 to 1883.

Delegate to Constitutional Convention — James
M. Cook, 1846.

State Senators — ^John W. Taylor, 1841 ; James
M. Cook, 1848 to 185 1 ; George G. Scott. 1858; Isa-
iah Blood, i860; Harvey J. Donaldson, 1890 to
1895.

Members of Assembly — James Merrill, 1801 ;
Gideon Goodrich, 1803. 1807; Joel Lee, 1810, 1836;
John W. Taylor, 1812-13; Alpheus Goodrich, 1828;
Isaiah Blood, 1852; George G. Scott, 1856; George
W. Qiapman. 1865 ; George West, 1872-3-4-5-6 ,
Benjamin F. Baker, 1880-1-2; John H. Burke, 1887;
Harvey J. Donaldson, 188S-9; George H. West,
1899, 1900.

Judge Common Pleas — Samuel Cook, 1820;
George G. Scott, 1838.

Masters in Chancery — Thomas Palmer, 1808,
1823; Callender Beecher, 1843.

Examiners in Chancery — Samuel Cook, 1823.

County Judge — ^Jesse S. L'Amoreaux, 1883.

Justices of Sessions — David Maxwell, 1850, 1854,
1859, 1861, 1863, 1868; Augustus E. Brown, 1856-
7; William Warner, 1867; John Brown, 1876.

Sheriffs — John Dunning, 1823, 1829; Lyman B.
Langworthy, 1826; Joseph Jennings, 1835; Samuel
Freeman, 1838; Philip H. McOmber, 1856; George
B. Powell, 1859; Frank Jones, 1895.

Surrogates — ^Thomas . Palmer, 1812, 1815; John
W. Thompson, 1834 to 1847.

County Clerks — Levi H. Palmer, 1813; William
Stilhvell. 1815; Thomas Palmer, i8i8 to 1833; Al-
pheus Goodrich, 1833 to 1840; Horace Goodrich,
1843; James W. Horton, 1846 to 1885; Seth Wha-
len, 1885 to 1887; James L. Scott, 1887; Edward
F. Grose, 1888 to 1902; George H. West, 1902 to
1907.

Deputy County Clerks — J. Oakley Nodyne, M.
Lemet Williams, John B. McLean, Joseph El.
Westcot, John F. Hennessey.

County Treasurers — Archy Kasson, 1810 to 1815 ;
Azariah W. Odell, 1815 to 1822; Edward A. Wat-
rous, 1822 to 1831; George Thompson, 1831 to
1844; .'\rnold Harris, 1844 to 1847; Edward W.
Lee, 1847 to 1849; Arnold Harris, 1849 to 1854;
Orville D. Vaughn, 1855 to 1861 ; Henry A. Mann,
1861 to 1S76; Stephen C. Medbery, 1879 to 1898.

District Attorneys— William T. Odell, 1851 to
1857 ; John Person, 1893-4-5 : James A. Burnham,
1895 to 1899 : Horace E. McKnight, 1904 to 1907.

Coroners — Hezekiah Middlebrook, 1806; Lyman
B. Langworthy, 1817-18-19-20; Chester Clapp,
1821-2: Reuben Westcot, 1823; Henry White,
1844; James H. Lockwood, 1847-50; Nathaniel J.
Seely, 1S53-6-0: James F. Doolittle, 1859: Charles
H. Andrus, i860; John Barrett, 1863; David F.
White, 1866. 1872 ; Benjamin W. Noxon, 1875 ;
Walton W. French, 1881 : Eben S. Lawrence, 1884.

Superintendents of Poor — Alpheus Goodrich,
1827; Moses Williams, 1828; Lebbeus Booth, Wil-
liam Hawkins. 1835 to 1842; William Hawkins,
John Wait, Edward W. Lee, 1842-3 : Lebbeus
Booth, Abraham Middlebrook. James H. Speir,
1844-5-6; John Kelly, John Wait, William W. Ar-
nold, 1847; Abraham Middlebrook, 1848 to 1857.

Commissioners of Loans — John W. Taylor, 1808
to 1829; George G. Scott, 1843 to 1850; Lebbeus
Booth, 1840 to 1843: Albert A. Moor, 1855 to 1861;
James L. Scott, 1883 to 1886; Seymour Rowley,
1895 to 1897.

School Commissioners — Charles D. Seely, 1858
to 1861; Seymour Chase, 1861 to 1864; Neil Gil-
mour, 1867 to 1870, 1873-4; Henry L. Grose, 1874-
S; Nelson L. Roe. 1876 to 1879.

Supervisors— Ball ston: William. H. Wendell,
1852; Abel Meeker, 1853-4; John Wait, 1858-9;
George G. Scott, i86o to 1881; George L. Thomp-
son, 1891 : Douw F. Winney. 1894-5-6-7. Milton:
Thomas Palmer, 1822 to 1833; James M. Cook,
1838, 1844, 1845; Abraham Middlebrook, 1839; Syl-
vester Blood, 1840-41; Isaiah Blood, 1847, i8s9. 1869;
Daniel W. Culver, 1848, 1852, 1856; John Tallmage,

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

129

1849 ; George W. Ingalls, 1853, 1857, 1861 ; John W.
Thompson, 1854; William T. Odell, 1858, i860;
George W. Chapman, 1862; Cornwell M. Noxon,
1863 ; Edwin H. Chapman, 1864-5 ; Hiro Jones,
1866-7-S, 1871 ; John Wait, 1870 ; John McLean,
1873 ; George West, Jr., 1874-5 ; George L. Thomp-

son, 1876-7-8-9, 1881-2-3-4; Abijah Comstock, 1885-
8-9; Martin Lee, 1886; John Richards, 1887; Wil-
liam W. Sweet, 1890; Eben S. ^awrence, 1891 ;
Frank J. Sherman, 1892; Samuel Thompson, 1893;
Frederick H. Beach, 1894-5-6-7; Thomas Finley,
1898 to 1907.

Century Elm, Ballston Spa.

COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE ERECTED IX lSfi6

COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, 1907.

COURT HOUSE.

HIGH STREET.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP BALLSTON ST A

131

The Press of Ballston Spa

THE History of Saratoga County, by
Mr. N. B. Sylvester, published in
1878, gives an account of "The
Ballston Press." It was written
for that work by the late Rev. H. L. Grose,
and some extracts from it will be found in
the following history of the Press of Balls-
ton Spa :

THE B.\LLSTOX JOURN.\L.

The first number of the first newspaper
published in Saratoga County was issued at
Court House Hill, on June 14, 1798, under
the name of Saratoga Register or Farmer's
Journal. The sheet was about one-half the
present size of the Ballston Daily Journal.
Under the title were these words: "Ballston,
Saratoga County ; printed every Wednesday
morning by Increase and William Child, over
the store of Messrs. Robert Leonard & Co.,
nearly opposite the Court House, where sub-
scriptions for this paper, articles of intelli-
gence, miscellaneous pieces, advertisements,
etc., are thankfully received, and printing in
general executed with neatness and dispatch,
and on moderate terms."

For one hundred and nine years the paper
established by the Messrs. Child has appeared
regularly each week, and during this long
period has been an important factor in the in-
tellectual, political and social life of the vil-
lage, and of the county. The name of the
paper has been changed several times, but for
the last sixty years has been known as "The
Ballston Journal."

The Journal supported the administration
of President John Adams, then the head of
the political party which bore the name of
Federal, and which was opposed by the party
called Republican, whose acknowledged leader
was Jefiferson. These party divisions had
grown out of discussions in Congress during
the first administration of Washington, whose
second election was a triumph of the Federal
party, as was the election of Adams, under

whose presidency the "alien and sedition laws"
were passed, with features so obnoxious as to
defeat him at his next candidacy.

The Journal favored those laws, as is shown
by the following article copied from the issue
of August 22, 1798:

"There is at the present so strong an opposition
to the measures of the general government prevail-
ing through the counties of Ulster' and Orange, that
it is dangerous for a man to applaud the adminis-
tration, and he is fortunate to escape personal in-
jury. In many parts of those counties the friend
of the government is viewed as an enemy to the
general cause, and is treated with marked con-
tempt and disrespect. Almost every town exhibits
a Liberty Pole, as they falsely term it, which these
sons of Belial have erected to their idol faction.
Our informants saw these poles at Newburg, New
Windsor, Montgomery. Wardsbridge, Goshen, Flor-
ida, Warwick, etc., etc., but they could give us no
information concerning the intention of this com-
bination of knaves and fools to oppose the execution
of the laws by force. We believe, however, they
know too well their own insignificance and weak-
ness to be the deliberate authors of their own de-
struction. The sedition and stamp acts, added to
their long invited enmity to the Constitution, are
the chief cause of this display of Republican fer-
vor. The former of these laws will never give a
moment's uneasiness to any good citizen ; and the
latter imposes a tax which promises to be highly
productive, and not felt by the agriculturalist, as it
will fall almost exclusively on the mercantile part
of the community."

FIRST BOOK PRINTED.

The first book ever printed in the county
was from the press of the Childs in 1798,
soon after the establishment of the paper.
It was entitled "A Plain Account of the Or-
dinance of Baptism ; in which all the texts in
the New Testament relating to it are proved,
and the whole Doctrine concerning it drawn
from them alone. In a Course of Letters to
the Right Rev. Dr. Benjamin Hoadley, late
Lord Bishop of Winchester, author of the
'Plain Account of the Lord's Supper ;' ye
shall not add unto the word which I have
commanded you, neither shall you diminish
from it. First Ballston Edition. London.

132

CENTENNIAL HISTORV OF BALLSTON SFA

Printed: Ballston. Re-printed by i. & W.
Child. Sold at their Printing-Office, nearlv
opposite the Court House, 1798."

In April, 1800, the firm of Increase &
William Child dissolved, \\"illiani heconiinsj-
the sole proprietor.

buring civcr one thousand, are printed at the
end of the volume.

Mr. Child continued the paper under its
original name until September 27, 1808, on
which day it was issued under the name of
The Independent American.

SECOND BOOK PRINTED.

In that year William Child printed a hook
of two hundred and twenty-two pages, en-
titled "A Plea for the Non-Comformists,"
by Thomas Delaune, with a preface by Rev.
Elias Lee, pastor of the Baptist church at
Ballston Spa. It was published by subscrip-
tion, and the names of the subscribers, num-

James Madi'son was elected President in
1808, after an unusually exciting campaign.
Party spirit ran high, and was kept up long
after the inauguration in 1809. Madison was
the candidate of the Democratic party, the Re-
publican party having fully accepted the title
of "Democratic party" in 1805, by which
name it has ev,er since been known. From
the issue of June, 1809, are taken the follow-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY Of BALLSTON SPA

133

ing extracts, to show that political writing
was as harsh and severe as in these later
times :

"It is whispered in private Democratic circles at
Washington that Madison has turned a damned
Federalist. The next President is to be pledged
beforehand to a certain line of policy. General
Snyder has been mentioned as a candidate, but it
is generally thought that though he has by no means
too much sense, he has too little 'nerve, as he d'd
not carry on the war against the United States with
sufficient energy.

"The gentlemen who now appear to be most
peculiarly possessed of -what are now settled to be
the true Democratic qualifications for the presidency
are Mr. Smilie, Mr. Alston, and M-r. Alexander
Wilson; the last a representative of Virginia, as dif-
ferent a man in point of mind from his namesake,
the author of the 'American Ornithology,' as a
Satyr is different from a Hyperion.

"Some of the Democrats begin to cast the blame
of the recent settlement with Great Britain uporj
the President's wife. They say she is a Feder-
alist, and has too much influence over her spouse.
What a happy circumstance it would have been for
this country had Thomas Jefferson been governed
by such a woman !"

In 1811 Mr. Child sold to James Comstock,
and soon after the printing office was moved
to Ballston Spa.

THIRD BOOK PRINTED.

In 1811 Mr. Comstock printed a book of
ninety-four pages entitled "Lectures oh the
Prophecies," etc., by Elhanan Winchester.
It is bound in the same cover with a book en-
titled "The Three Woe-Trumpets," by Elha-
nan Winchester.

In 1814 Mr. Comstock printed the first
Temperance tract ever published in the State
of New York.

In 1816 Horatio Gates Spafford, LL.D.,
became proprietor and changed the name
to the Saratoga Farmer. In 1821 he made
the title The Ballston Spa Gazette and Sara-
toga Farmer. Mr. Spafford was a learned,
intelligent, well-informed man, and an inde-
fatigable worker. He compiled and published
the first complete Gazetteer of the State in
1813, and in 1824 republished it, with large
additions, making it more accurate and com-
plete, embodying a vast amount of useful in-
formation from which others have drawn in
later years.

He removed to Albany in 1822, disposing
of his paper to its former proprietor, James

Comstock, who abbreviated the name to The
Ballston Spa Gazette, under which it was
continued until 1847. For thirty years Mr.
Comstock had charge of the paper, conduct-
ing it ably and successfully.

FOURTH BOOK PRINTED.

In 1822 Mr. Comstock issued from his
press the fourth book printed in Ballston, en-
titled "The Friend of Peace," a volume of
three hundred and eight pages, designed to
show the evils of war and the blessings of
peace.

In 1846 the first daily ever printed in Balls-
ton Spa was published by James Comstock
under the title of Ballston Spa Daily Tele-
graph. It was a small sheet of four pages,
containing four columns to the page.

In April, 1847, J. O. Nodyne became pro-
prietor, and changed the name to Ballston
Democratic Whig Journal. January 18, 1848,
Albert A. Moor became joint proprietor with
Mr. Nod)'ne, the name being shortened to
The Ballston Journal. On December 5 of
this vear, Mr. Moor became sole proprietor,
and continued as editor and proprietor about
twelve years. He was a good writer, a mem-
ber of the Bar, and for several years one of
the Loan Comtnissioners of the county.

In April, i860, Henry L. Grose became
editor and proprietor of the Journal, and con-
tinued as editor for nearly thirty-nine years,
and until his death on September 7, 1898.
During this period the four sons of Mr. Grose,
H. Seward, Edward F., Howard B. and
Charles H., were at different times associated
with him in the management of the Journal.

The second daily in Ballston Spa was print-
ed during the summer of 1871, under the
name of Ballston Daily Journal.

September t, 1894, the Ballston Daily
Journal was established as a permanent daily
paper. It is now in its fourteenth year, and
the weekly Journal in its one hundred and
ninth year. Charles H. Grose, the youngest
son of H. L. Grose, is the proprietor.

The political relations of the paper whose
history has been thus fully sketched will read-
ily be known by the character of the presi-
dential administrations it has supported or
opposed, and for that character any general
historv of our country may be consulted. The

134

CEXTEXNJJL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

administrations opposed were those of Jef- tion of a beautifully illustrated souvenir of

ferson, Madison, Jackson, \'an Buren, Polk, twenty-eight pages.

Pierce, Buchanan, Johnson and Cleveland,

extending over a period of fifty-two years.

It supported the administrations of John In 1804 David C. Miller began at Court

Adams, James Monroe, John Ouincy Adams, House Hill the publication of the Saratoga

"FKICNDLX TO 3

VOL xjv— MMriEn i

^t\LL^^>^ -I \. N. Y. Tl'tiDAY. /U'RU. r, IM3L

WHOLE SlUBEE. M.

$all5(oii ^ounml,

Fac-simile of First Number of The Journal published by H. L. Grose & Sons in 18(50.

Harrison and Tyler, Taylor and Fillmore, Advertiser, size of ])age thirteen by eighteen

inches. In 1806 a man named Riggs was

Lincoln, Grant, Hayes, Garfield and Arthur,
Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley and
Theodore Roosevelt, extending over a ix-riod
of fifty-six years.

The Journal conmiemorated its one hun-
dredth anni\ersary in 1898, by tiie jniblica-

taken into partnership. He sold his interest
in ]8o7 to Samuel R. Brown, and the name
was coolly changed to The Aurora Borealis
and Saratoga Advertiser. In 1808 Mr. Brown
retired and :\Ir. Miller restored the original

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

135

name. The paper was discontinued in 1809,
and the office merged into that of The Inde-
pendent American. Mr. Miller moved to
Johnstown and started the Montgomery Mon-
itor in January, 1810. In 181 1 he moved to
Batavia, Genesee county, and there, in part-
nership with Benjamin Blodgett, started the
Republican Advocate which is still published.
He printed the Morgan pamphlet, which pro-
fessed to disclose the secrets of the first three
degrees of Freemasonry; and a weekly paper
called The Morgan Intelligencer, was issued
from his office in 1827, continuing about a
year. At that day he was a conspicuous and
famous man.

The Literary Picture Gallery and Admon-
itory Epistles to the visitors of Ballston Spa,
by Simeon Senex, Esquire, was issued during
the season of 1808, in numbers of eight pages
each : size of page five by eight inches. It
was printed at the office of Miller & Riggs for
I. Cook.

The Rural Visitor and Saratoga Adver-
tiser, appeared April 7, 1812. It was an eight
page paper, size of page eight by ten inches.
In politics it was Democratic, in opposition to
the Federal party. The first number states
that it is "printed and published by John
Howe, for the proprietor," but the proprie-
tor's name is not disclosed. The paper had
a brief existence.

The first number of The Saratoga Journal
was published in Ballston Spa the first week
in January, 1814, by Isaiah Bunce. In poli-
tics it was Democratic, the party then op-
posed to the Federal party. The Federals in
Saratoga County were few — the Democrats
many; and having everything their own way,
in 1816 there was a split in their ranks, one
faction being called 'Old Liners," embracing
such prominent men as John W. Taylor,
David Rogers, George Palmer, Thomas Pal-
mer, Seth C. Baldwin, Lyman B. Langworthy,
A. W. Odell, Esek Cowen and others. The
"New Liners," so called, embraced such men
as Judge James Thompson, Samuel Young,
Joel Lee, Judge Salmon Child, William Stil-
well, Colonel Isaac Gere and others. The
Journal was very violent in its opposition to
the "New Liners," and consequently they es-
tablished an organ of their own, whose history

follows. The Journal was discontinued Feb-
ruary II, 1818.

The Saratoga Courier was issued at Balls-
ton Spa in 1816, with LHysses F. Doubleday
as editor. This reduced the patronage of the
Journal without securing sufficient for its
own maintenance, and in less than two years
its publication was suspended. In February,
1818, Mr. Doubleday began another weekly
named the Saratoga Republican, which he
conducted until 1823, when he removed to
Auburn and bought an interest in the Cayuga
Patriot, of which he became the editor. He
was Member of Congress in 183 1 and 1835,
and was conspicuous among the public men
of the time.

Doubleday House, 1807-1907.

The People's Watchtower was started by
James Comstock May 13, 1818, and con-
tinued until 1822, when Mr. Comstock pur-
chased the Ballston Spa Gazette and Saratoga
Farmer, and the Watchtower was merged into
the older paper, the name being shortened to
Ballston Spa Gazette.

The .Saratoga Recorder and Anti-Masonic
Democrat was started in 1831 by Thomas
Jefferson Sutherland. The purpose of its
publication is indicated by the title. At the
end of a year it was discontinued.

The New York Palladium was begun in
1831 by Ansel Warren. It supported the ad-
ministration of Andrew Jackson. In 1832 it
was bought by Israel Sackett, and the name
changed to The Schenectady and Saratoga
Standard. Elias G. Palmer became proprietor
in 1833, and gave it the name of The Balls-
ton Spa Republican. It supported the admin-

ise

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

istrations of Jackson and Van Buren until the
latter part of the year 1839, when it was dis-
continued.

The Ballston Democrat was started in 1845
by Newell Hine, J. O. L. Tourville, printer.
The name indicates its politics and it gave its
best support tO James K. Polk for President. In
1848 Thomas G. Young, son of Hon. Samuel
Young, became proprietor and editor. He
sold to Seymour Chase in 1853, who consol-
idated it with The Northern Mirror, which
was established in 1850 by Sanford H. Curtis
and John E. Lee, and first named The Gem of
the North. In 185 1 Mr. Chase bought the
paper and changed the name to The Northern
Mirror. After the union the title was The
Ballston Democrat and Mirror.

In January, 1853, The Temperance Helper
was established by the Carson League, a coun-
ty temperance society. The paper was printed
at the Democrat office for about a year, when
the publishing committee opened a new office,
in which was set up the first cylinder press
used in the county. In 1855 the establishment
was sold to Potter & Judson, and removed to
Saratoga Springs. In 1856 the paper joined
the Republican ranks, supporting John C.
Fremont for the presidency. The name was
changed to The Saratogian, which it still
bears.

The American Examiner, an organ of the
"Know Nothings," was first issued in the
early part of the year 1855, by Joseph B.
Brown. In November, 1856, Seymour Chase
purchased the paper, and merged it with the
Democrat. A few vears later the name was

changed to The Ballston Atlas, in politics fol-
lowing the Albany Atlas, which supported
the Free-soil wing of the Democratic party
under the lead of Martin Van Buren. In
i860 the Atlas supported the nomination of
Stephen A. Douglas for the presidency.
Abraham A. Keyser became proprietor Jan-
uary I, 1 86 1, and in April following sold to
Ephraim W. Reynolds. In 1864 Mr. Rey-
nolds sold to Daniel Shepherd who moved
the office to Saratoga Springs, where for a
few months he issued the paper under the
name of the Saratoga County Democrat, when
he suspended the publication.

In December, 1865. Sanford H. Curtis and
Enos R. Mann, of Ballston Spa, revived the
paper under the original name. The Ballston
Democrat. The partnership was dissolved
after a few months, and John M. Waterbury
became proprietor in 1866. He changed the
name to The Ballston Register. In 1868 he
sold to his brother, William S. Waterbury,
and the paper again assumed its original name
—The Ballston Democrat. In 1889 M. P.
Morse became proprietor, and some time after
changed the name to The Saratoga County
Democrat.

The Ballston Daily News was started by
Mr. Morse in 1889. It was neutral in poli-
tics, and so remained for about four years,
when it came out squarely as a Democratic
paper. Messrs. Cole & Burnham bought the
establishment in 1900, and soon after the
office was destroyed by fire. A stock company
was then organized, by whom the publication
of the Daily News is continued, the weekly
Democrat having been discontinued.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

137

Ballston Spa in the Past

WHEN Ballston Spa was in its glory
as the first watering place and
most famous summer resort in
America, among the thousands
who came to quaff of its healing waters were
many tourists. Some of them have written
entertainingly of their experiences, and of
what they saw at "The Springs.'-

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED ELEVEN.

In his book of "Travels in the United States
of America, printed in Philadelphia in 1812,
Mr. John Melish gives an account of a visit
to Ballston in 1811. He made the journey
from Johnstown by way of Broadalbin, Fish
House and Milton. He writes :

"The soil is good round Milton, which accounts
for the handsome appearance of the houses, and a
Quaker meeting house' denoted that the ground
was partly occupied by some of those sagacious
people.

"Beyond this the soil is very sandy and barren,
with pine trees of a small growth ; but the people
seem determined to make amends for the sterility
of the soil in another way ; for, passing a creek, I
saw an elegant new building of seven stories high,
which had been recently erected for the manufac-
ture of woolen cloth." From thence the road winds
through the woods, and the soil continues poor all
the way to Ballston, which I reached in the evening.

"I took a view of the town as I passed through
it; and it is soon seen, as it contains seventy dwell-
ing houses only. It lies in a hollow, and the spring
is at the lower end of it, near a small creek. The
houses are mostly built of wood, and some of the
boarding houses are very handsome. One is un-
commonly superb, and is said to have cost upwards
of $60,000.'

'There was a Quaker meeting-house in Galway,
on the route probably taken, but none in Milton.
The meeting-house referred to was doubtless that of
the Presbyterians at Milton Hill.

*The factory of the Milton Manufacturing So-
ciety, erected in 1810. It stood on the north side of
the highway, running east and west and gave the
name of Factory Village to that locality. It was
built on the precipitous east bank of the Kayaderos-
seras, being three stories in height on the highway,
and seven stories at the water's edge. The factory-
was destroyed by fire in 1821 and rebuilt. In later
years it was converted into a paper mill, and was
burned in 1874.

'The Sans Souci hotel.

"Soon after I reached the village I went to see
the spring.* It is enclosed by a railing, the in-
terior being handsomely paved with stone, and the
water is secured from all filth by a metallic tube of
about eighteen inches diameter, elevated a few
feet above the top of the spring, which rises copi-
ously with a boiling motion, and the surplus water
passes ofli by a horizontal pipe. The water was
quite agreeable to my taste, and produced an ex-
hilarating effect upon the spirits. It emits a slight
smell, but not unpleasant, and is copiously impreg-
nated with fixed air, or carbonic acid gas.

"The medicinal virtues of these waters have of
late attracted much attention, and Ballston has be-
come a place of fashionable resort in the summer
season. Ballston is twenty-eight miles from Al-
bany. There are two roads, one by Schenectady,
the other by Waterford ; and it makes a very agree-
able jaunt to go the one way and return the other.
Schenectady is one of the finest inland cities in
America. On the other road is the pleasant village
of Waterford, and the Cohoes falls.

"The village is supported by the visitors to the
springs, so that, except in the summer season, it is
but a dull place. Boarding at the principal houses
is eight dollars per week, but there are smaller
houses, having inferior accommodations at four
dollars. There is an Academy and library in the
village, and besides taverns and boarding houses,
there are five dry-goods and grocery stores. There
are two public papers issued weekly, of which, the
one circulates seven hundred, the other four hun-
dred."

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE.

In a book entitled "A Pedestrian Tour
made in 182 1 by P. Stansbury," the account
of our village given by the writer presents
facts of interest. After speaking of Saratoga
the writer says :

"Ballston Springs are si.x miles hence in a south-
westerly direction, between which and Saratoga
Springs the land is one sandy, uninteresting plain.
At the village of Ballston Spa the landscape as-
sumes a more pleasing variety ; a branch of the
Kayaderosseras rolls through a little valley, wash-
ing the basements of the lower houses, and wind-

*The original or "iron-railing" spring. In 1820 a
bottle of this water, securely corked, was placed in a
well in Charlton. About the year 1870 the bottle
was taken from the well, and on extracting the cork,
the water was as lively and pungent as when taken
from the spring more than half a century before.

138

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

ing until it is lost among the high hills which lie
in the vicinity. Hotels, academies and churches
rise magnificent above the tops of extensive ranges
of wool and cotton manufactories, and stamp upon
the features of the place a character of great
wealth and grandeur.

"The fountains are situated in different parts of
the village. A convenient footwalk leads over the
stream to Low's springs, consisting of numerous
spouts, contained under the basement room of a
hotel, and further onward to the Washington foun-
tain, a very large and high spout enclosed in a
railing and furnished with proper conveniences for
drinking. It is in the form of an obelisk, rising
five or six feet above the ground, rendered of a
bright red color by the chalybeate qualities of the
fluid; the top is open and the water copiously boil-
ing over, and streaming in handsome cascades down
the sides. Scarcely three yards distant gushes from
the same soil a fountain of the purest and coldest
water, without the slighest particle of saline or
chalybeate ingredient. It forms a little rivulet rip-
pling beautifully over the stones of the creek, while
its neighbor angrily bubbles and mingles in the same
stream, with a fiery train of red iron-colored
pebbles.

"In the middle of the village an iron railing sur-
rounds a hollow area, with steps descending to the
bottom, in which the fountain principally resorted
to gushes over the top of a spout two feet high
and runs off in a regular stream. The water from
this fountain is in general use among the villagers,
who admire its gently stimulating properties, and
even prefer it to the costly spirituous and fermented
liquor of the shops.

"Persons were sitting upon the steps, within the
railing, contemplating the bubbling fluid and con-
sidering the wonderful effects of nature's secret
operations; and ever and anon some pallid invalid,
some hearty farmer, some delicate female, some
blustering fashionable youth, descended to the foun-
tain and applied the simmering cup to their lips.
The day was gloomy. Mingling with the murmurs
of the adjacent creek, the sweet strains of a well
played violin floated from the nearest boarding
house, and agreeably corresponded with emotions
which the place excited. I looked with admiration
upon the scene, and. like many others, contemplated
the air bubbles with real satisfaction. Earlj' the
next morning I left the springs for Schenectady,
not a little regretting to part with the social com-
pany of the hotel where I lodged."

EIGHTEEX HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE.

"The Traveler's Guide," published in New
Haven. Conn., by Nathan Whitney in 1823.
gives the following description of the village:

"Ballston Spa is partly in Ballston, but chiefly in
Milton, and is the capital of Saratoga county, N. Y.,
twenty-six miles north of .Mbany. and is of a l)cau-
tiful and romantic situation. Its population 1.909.
It has a court house, two printing offices, a book
store, with which is connected a circulating library
and a reading room, an Academv and two houses

for public worship — one for Episcopalians and one
for Baptists. This place is famous for its mineral
waters, which are much frequented by the gay
and fashionable during the months of July and
-August.

"Hence, in addition to several inns, there are
three large boarding houses expressly designed for
the accommodation of strangers. In the summer
of 1818, 2,500 persons visited these springs, of
whom more than 1.200 were from States south of
New York state. The waters possess a stimulating
and refreshing quality. Under the exhaustion of
heat and fatigue, nothing can be more agreeable
and reviving to the system. As a powerful remedy
also in many diseases, they are well known and
highly celebrated. Letters intended for persons re-
siding at the springs should be directed to Ballston
Spa, as there is another post-office in the town of
Ballston at some distance from that village."

The same book tells of the attractions of
Saratoga Springs as a fashionable resort, and
gives the names of the principal springs of
that date. They were the High Rock, Con-
gress, Red, and Columbian springs. The pop-
ulation was 1,909, exactly the same as that of
Ballston Spa.

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE.

The Northern Traveler, a guide to tourists
and "such as travel for pleasure or health,"
published in 1825, when Ballston Spa was
the leading summer resort in the United
States, gives the following interesting de-
scription :

"Ballston Springs — The clustering buildings of
this great w'atering place are discovered unexpect-
edly in a little valley of sufficient depth to con-
ceal them at a short distance. Mr. Booth's Female
Academy is just south of the village. There are
here three principal houses for the reception of
visitors. The largest and most fashionable is Sans
Souci ; and the most comfortable are Aldridge's and
Cory's. The price of board is ten dollars a week
at the former place, and eight dollars at the two
latter. Besides these there are several other board-
ing houses of inferior pretensions and prices; for
great numbers of persons of all classes are an-
nually attracted to this great watering place.

"S.-\NS Souci is a building of an important size,
occupying the corner where the village street meets
the road to Saratoga. * * * Scarcely anything
in this country can exceed the scene of gaiety
Vk-hich this house presents in the visiting season,
as scarcely anything can communicate sensations of
more complete desertion and loneliness before the
company have arrived, or after they have retired.
When crowded with people Sans Souci is usually
the scene of several balls in the week, to say noth-
ing of the fishing parties, riding parties, etc., etc.,
which fill up the day. The variety of scenery in
the neighborhood is sufficient to attract many of
those who resort to this place of health and pleas-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

139

ure, and walking and riding will be found much
more agreeable here than at Saratoga.

"Mr. Aldridge's House was the first respectable
one ever opened in this place for the accommoda-
tion of visitors. A visitor of quiet habits or in ill
health, will here find himself retired from the noise
and bustle which enter so largely into the amuse-
ments of the more gay and robust. This house has
a pleasant garden, with a long flight of steps lead-
ing to a commanding elevation which overlooks
the village below. In speaking of this house and
Cory's at once, we may remark that the tables are
well furnished, the servants attentive, the rooms
commodious, and the company no less genteel than
at Sans Souci.

"The Old Spring, which is in the middle of the
street opposite Aldridge's, was the first discovered
in all this part of the country. It is said that the
inhabitants were induced to trust to its peculiar
virtues by the example of the deer of the forest,
which had resorted to it in such numbers as to
form beaten paths from every direction to the
spot. The neighboring country was almost a per-
fect wilderness at the close of the Revolutionary
war; for the natural military route between Can-
ada and the United States lay through it, and the
Five Nations of Indians were so near on the west-
ern side, and were frequently passing over it on
their war parties that few white men were willing
to encounter the dangers and risques to which such
a residence must be exposed. * * * -pj^g qJj
spring has fully regained its ancient reputation ; and
as the tide of company was turned last season from
Saratoga back to Ballston, it is to be presumed
that youth and age will crowd as heretofore around
its brink, and pleasure as well as health will again
be dispensed at its fountain.

"The Lover's Leap is a precipice of 60 or 70 feet,
which overhangs the Kayaderosseras, and overlooks
a romantic and secluded little valley, at the distance
of about half a mile from the springs. The road
leads up the hill beyond Aldridge's, and through a
dark pine grove. A half trodden path turns off at
the right and conducts to the precipice, which is a
pleasant retreat in the heat of the day, affording a
fine shade and frequently a pleasant breeze, as well
as the view of a wild scene below, to which a
steep descent conducts on the left hand. Many
cheerful parties have visited this spot, many
lonely and melancholy footsteps : it has drawn forth
many enthusiastic remarks on the beauties of na-
ture, and it is said some indifferent poetry.

"There is a Reading Room and Circulating Li-
bran.- kept at the store of Air. Comstock, and a book
is also kept in which the names of visitors arriving
at the principal houses are daily entered, for the in-
formation of others."

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED THIRTY-ONE.

"The Tourist," a pocket manual for travel-
ers, printed by Ludwig & Tolefree, New York,
in 1831, says:

"Ballston Spa is the resort of hundreds of trav-
ellers during the summer months. There are a

number of springs in the vicinity, the waters of
which are not unlike those of Saratoga. A beau-
tiful creek flows along the east end of the village,
called the Kayaderosseras. This creek is a great
resort for sportsmen, particularly those who de-
light to sit on the bank of a meandering brook,
'And from their depths delude the spotted fry.'

"Two of the springs are near Mr. Aldridge's
Boarding House, and the U. S. spring is at the east
end of the village, near the Sans Souci hotel. A
large bathing house is located near this spring,
which is furnished with waters (for the purpose
of bathing) from all the different springs in the

Another Century Elm, Ballston Spa.

vicinity. There is in the village a Court-house, two
churches, and a female seminary; also a printing
office and bookstore, to which a reading room is
attached.

"The principal hotels are the Sans Souci, kept
by Mr. Loomis ; this is the most extensive, and has
more company than any other house. There is a
large gaidcn attached to it. Aldridge's Boarding
House has a more retired location, and receives a
good share of patronage. There is an extensive
and beautiful garden connected with this establish-
ment, which is always open to the guests. The
Village Hotel, kept by Mr. Clark, is a few doors
from the Sans Souci, and is a very agreeable board-
ing house. The Mansion House, in the centre of
the village, is well kept by Mr. Kidd. Mrs. Mc-
]\Iaster's private boarding house is near the west

140

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

spring on the flat. Those who wish a retired sit-
uation will be pleased with this house."

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE.

"The Tourist" was published by Harper &
Brothers, New York, in 1839. It says:

"Since the completion of the railroads, nearly all
travellers to Ballston and Saratoga go by way of
Schenectady or Troy, where they proceed direct to
the Springs by way of the Railroad. The Schenec-
tady and Saratoga Railroad is 36^^^ miles long; the
Rensselaer and Saratoga Road from Troy to Balls-
ton, 20 miles long."

The description of the village given in
"The Tourist" in 1831 is then repeated, and
then occurs the following paragraph :

"Ballston Lake is six miles from the village, and
a ride to its banks affords a very pleasant excur-
sion. It is five miles long and one in width. Hunt-
ing and fishing abound on the borders and in the
waters of the lake. If boats and other conven-
iences were provided for the accommodation of
visitors, it would be a place of great resort, but at
present very few think of going there. The usual
drive is to Riley's, at Saratoga Lake. Ballston was
formerly the most fashionable place of resort, but
latterly Saratoga has borne away the palm. Not
till newer and more convenient public houses are
erected at this place will visitors give it their sup-
port. The public well, as it is called, was the gift
of Sir William Johnson. Within the last year it
has been repaired by the public authorities."

Within recent years the prediction as to
Ballston Lake has been fulfilled. Numerous
summer cottages have been built on the lake
shore, and with the building of the Schenec-
tady and Saratoga electric railway, "Forest
Park," on the east shore and at the south end
of the lake is rapidly becoming one of the
most famous recreation parks in Northern
New York.

.^N OLD liOOK.

A rare old book of poetry, printed in 1806,
is in the library of Senator Edgar T. Brackett'
of Saratoga Springs. It is a literary curio!
whose author is unknown. The title page
reads :

BALLSTON SPRINGS.

"Dulce est Decifcre in toco."

At Ballston to the fountain I repair,

Or hold sweet converse with the charming fair,

Or read a newspaper, or scribble rhyme.

Or sauntring stroll, and muse away my time.

New York:

Printed by S. Gould, opposite the City Hall.

1806.

We copy from this unique old book the
following:

"introduction."

"As the Ballston waters have afforded me much
benefit in respect to my health, and occasioned the
following effusions. I am induced to give them cur-
rency, that those with feebler bodies may avail
themselves of the Springs, and that those with
stronger minds may be inspired to produce real
poetry for entertainment and instruction."

"address to the spring."

"Let the drunkard's theme be wine.
Fount of Ballston thou art mine.
The bloated face, the pimpled nose.
The stiffened joints, the aching toes.
The sluggard blood, th' obstructed veins,
The falt'ring tongue, the muddled brains;
With th' unwieldy dropsied shape
Shew the triumph of the grape — '
Ballston, health to thee I owe.
And my spirits genial glow.
Ballston, you my blood refin'd.
You made all things joy impart.
To my sympathizing heart —
Grateful indeed I ought to be.
You caus'd ('twas all in all to me)
My Emma's smile, my Emma's praise.
Too high a meed for trifling lays — "

"Having proposed a subscription from every per-
son coming to Ballston Springs, for a public gar-
den, the following was written to encourage it."

"Oh! think what pleasure nature's charms impart.

To draw from worldly cares the human heart.

What glowings flush with exercise the cheek,

What inward bliss the roseate tints bespeak.

The mother there with her boy repair,

T' inhale the fragrance of balsamic air.

What joy! beneath the shade to view her child.

Ply its elastic limbs in gambols wild:

She on its future prospects fondly bent.

He on his momentary sports intent.

The Statesman there may turn th' historic page.

And learn experience from each former age.

The poet there may court his Muse retir'd.

And tracing vivid scenes become inspired.

The lover there may wander in the grove.

Indulging all the doubts of timid love.

And stretched along the willow roots complain

Of slighted vows in many a weeding strain.

There noble youths and gentle nymphs may walk.

Delighting and instructing each with talk.

Or seated in some shady blest retreat.

Mingle with S7vcet discourse their gjances sweet.

What bliss! to view the flowers, shrubs and trees.

And hear the murmuring rill and whispering breeze.

What harmony, when birds in song unite,

Fluttering, nestling, billing with delight.

All eyes, all hearts a garden must approve,

'Twas heaven's first gift to innocence and love."

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

141

"On seeing Miss * * * at the Bali.ston Springs."

' "Fresh as the morn, when all the beauteous fair,
Around the spring in dishabille repair.
How charming to behold Eliza bend
And take the glass from some assiduous friend.
More pure, nor glass, nor water can appear,
Spotless without, within from blemish clear.
Envious 1 view the liquid which she sips
Between her pulpy, swelling, ruby lips.
Her little feet and nice turned ancles shew,
Peeping from muslin petticoat below.
Her attitude (like Venus who retires*)
The waving line of grace which taste admires.
To Fancy's eye my thoughts enraptured bring
Hygeia smiling at her favorite spring.
Trembling with strange sensations of delight.
She shakes my reason, and bedims my sight.
O'erpower'd, I feel constrained to bend the knee,
By every impulse of Idolatry."

"a supposed letter by a lady from BALLSTON."

"Having now quite recovered from pains in my

bones ;
From jolting o'er gullies, o'er stumps and o'er

stones,
I'll fully detail how we pass away time.
And hoping- to please you will scribble in rhyme.
At morn, about seven, we each show our skill,
In striking the beaux by a neat dishabille :
Then repair to the spring, and smilingly greet
With a curt'sy and compliment all whom we meet.
There Miss Polly Guzzle with boasting will drink
Twelve glasses at once, nor heeds what men think.

When I hear her talk thus I go sauntering away
Apprehensive lest blushes my mind should betray.
At eight we to breakfast all scampering repair,
What devouring, what chatt'ring, what bustle is

there !
Three persons to please us by turns, have combin'd,
And such a strange trio you rarely will find.
Now Mrs. Burke Hamilton acts and recites
And by voice most melodious each hearer delights.
Now the tumblers, stout Meriel and slight Parmalee,
Surprise by their strength and feats of agility.
Now Stewart with lectures profound on the mind,
Leaves Newton, and Bacon, and Locke far behind.
Thus amus'd, my dear friend, every hour of the day,
Our time unobserv'd hurries rapid away —
Of matches I've heard very little as yet.
Although for a lover each girl throws a net.
'Tis whispered, but truly I cannot believe it,
For though I have watched them I do not perceive it,
That the gay Mr. Smirk courts my pert couzin Jane,
And that she nothing loth, does not let him com-
plain.
The man I detest, he's so full of grimace.
And at his own nonsense laughs in your face,

""■The statue of Venus de Medicis represents the
Goddess bending forward modestly to conceal her
charms."

I'm told he possesses a noble estate.
And that with poor Jane is entitled to weight.
She is not, you know, overburthen'd with sense,
And as to good breeding she has no pretense.
Perhaps when she's married she then may excel,
Her temperament at school we both know too well.

Now I'll tell you a secret, but pray do not blame
If I speak of a Lover concealing his name.
There's a gentleman here I have in my eye,
Whom if he address'd me, I could not deny.
His person is form'd every woman to please,
Though less of Appollo than of Hercules,
He seems rather clumsy to some nice beholders,
So thick are his legs and so broad are his shoulders.
He's made like a Hero our sex to protect.
And to stature so manly I cannot object.
His accent is slightly affected with brogue,
But that amongst us is now all the vogue.
By his looks and expressions I fancy he's courting,
He ca.nnot I hope be with tenderness sporting.
To all he's polite, but I clearly can see
That his je ne scais qiioi is directed to me.
Sometimes I am jealous of Miss Tittle Tattle,
Who's body's a gig, and whose tongue is a rattle.
He laughs so with her, and seems so much pleas'd,
I can scarcely conceal how much I am teased.
But when quitting her he your humble addresses,
His smile and his air banish all my distresses.
Then he sentiment talks, and so plaintive appears.
My bosom beats quick and my eyes start with tears.
You know that "a sigh midst enjoyment will stray,
And a tear is the tribute which rapture must pay."
He surely must see all the transport I feel.
Which I'm not over-cautious in truth to conceal.

'Tother day being tempted abroad by the weather,
As we sat on a log talking softly together.
He took out his pencil and wrote me these lines.
As a poet he far every other outshines :

"Whilst other damsels ogling riggling.
Romp, nor know what they'd be at, i
Whilst other girls with nonsense giggling,
Please vulgar souls with trifling chat —
Oh ! may I with my Nymph retire.

And listen in a calm retreat.
To sentiments I must admire,
Cloth'd in words select and sweet."

The rest I suppress lest with cynical smile,
You should tell me 'tis flattery but to beguile.
In truth he so fully possesses my heart,
With my future and person I'd cheerfully part,
But fortune I'm sure he most nobly despises.
The soul of a woman is all that he prizes.

My next, will, I hope, something certain relate.
And determine, my friend, your Elizabeth's fate,
No longer I'm healthful, no longer I'm gay.
All who see me remark that I'm wasting away.
Uncertainty kills me — why won't he reveal
The pangs which he suffers and I wish to heal,
I'll write you the moment my fears have an end —
Whether married or single, believe me your friend."

"Elizabeth Tinder."

142

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Ballston in War

THE record of old Balls-Town in the
War of the Revolution, and of the
village of Ballston Spa in the War
of 1812; the War with Mexico; the
War of the Rebellion ; and the recent War
with Spain is a proud page of local history.
filled with heroic deeds, and an intense patriot-
ism that had its birth in "the spirit of 76."

WAR OV THE REVOLUTION.

The story of Revolutionary times has been
given elsewhere in this history. Of the men
who fought for American Independence it
has never been possible to give a complete
list. In the account of the celebration of the
semi-centeiuiial of American Independence
held in this village in 1826, it is stated that
thirty-seven veterans of the Revolutionary
War were in the procession. On the soldiers'
monument in Low street may be seen the
names of twenty Revolutionary soldiers. At
the time the monument was dedicated these
twenty were supposed to be all the men the
sparsely settled Balls-Town District furnished
in that protracted and heroic struggle.

From a volume published by the State in
1898, entitled "New York in the Revolution,"
we are enabled to give in this history, for the
first time, the names of seventy-seven soldiers
of the Revolution from the Balls-Town Dis-
trict. This volume has an interesting history.
During the first term of Hon. James A. Rob-
erts as Coni|)troller, he discovered in his office
quantities of forgotten papers relating to the
services performed by New York in the Rev-
olutionary war. Realizing their value, com-
petent men were set at work to sort out and
arrange the papers. Up to this time the num-
ber of men credited to New York, and accept-
ed as correct was 17,781. In these papers
positive proof was foimd of the service of
43,643 men. an increase of 25,864, placing
New York second onlv to ]\Tassachusetts in

the number of men furnished. Besides this
muster-roll, as the Comptroller terms it, twen-
ty-nine large volumes relating to the Revolu-
tionary war have been compiled and published
from these "forgotten papers." Mr. Roberts
also says : "Nor do the names contained in
this volume in all probability comprise all of
those from New York who performed service
in that great struggle."

It is, however, undoubtedly the most com-
plete record that will ever be made. The fol-
lowing are the names of the men from Balls-
town :

Lt.-Col. James Gordon ; Major Andrew Mitch-
ell; Adjutant David Ruinsey; Captains Beriah
Palmer, Stephen White, Elisha Benedict and Ty-
rannis Collins; Lieutenants John Ball, Epenetus
White, WilHam McCrea, Thomas Brown, Fran-
cis Salisbury and Benjamin Wood; Ensign, Na-
than Raymond. Soldiers of the Line and of the
Militia — Stephen Ball, Flamen Ball, Elias Bene-
dict, Felix Benedict, Caleb Benedict, Thomas Bar-
num, William Bettys, Joel Brown, Justus Blanch-
ard, Samuel Clark, David Cory, Daniel Chase,
John Davis, Nathan Evans. Joshua English, Jacob
Fulmer, Stephen Fuller, Grixson Frisbj', Sanbun
Ford, Kenneth Gordon, John Higby, Lewis Higby,
Albert Hansen, Abijah Hubbell, Jabez Hubbell,
Josiah Hollister, Caleb Holmes, Edmund Jennings,
Justus Jennings, John Kennedy. Thomas Kennedy,
George Kennedy, Ephraim Ketchum, Michael Mc-
Donald. Samuel McCrea. Stephen Merrick. John
McKnight, Michael Middlebrook, Joseph IVIore-
house, Azor Nash, John Nash. Samuel Nash. Ja-
bez Patchin, Samuel Patchin, John Pierson. Jere-
miah Pierson, Thomas Smith, Thaddeus Patchin,
Thomas Salisbury, Philip Salisbury, Sunderland
Sears, Nehemiah Seely, John Sprague, Elijah
Sprague, Ebenezer Sprague, Jr., John Taylor, Ed-
ward A. Watrous, Lemuel Wilcox. Titus Watson,
John Whitehead, Enoch Wood. Elijah Wood, Ste-
phen Wood.

WAR OF 1812.

In 181 2 the declaration of war against Great
Britain again aroused an intense spirit of
patriotism, and among the loyal sons of Balls-
ton who responded to the call of their country
were the following:

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTOX SPA

143

Captain Reuben Westcot, Capt. Isaac Curtis,
Joel Lee, Elijah Armstrong, Nathaniel Burnham,
Jonathan S. Beach, Timothy Bailey, Chester
Clapp, William Collamer, Thomas Collamer, Al-
pheus Goodrich, Azariah W. Odell, Abner S. Irish,
M. Holden, A. C. Harlow, William Chapman,
Henry P. Chapman, E. Dunning, Sanbun Ford,
William H. Ford, Amasa Ford, Simeon Ford, John
Luther, G. Morehouse, J. Morse, G. Pratt, Stephen
S. Seaman, G. Quackenbush, Alva Robertson, John
Story, L. Smith, W. J. Stilwell, Cornelius Scher-
merhorn, E. Taylor, D. Weed, S. Taylor, Freeman
Thomas, John Wheeler, Silas Smith, Lewis Miller,
S. Curtis, William Evans.

THE WAR WITH MEXICO.

War was declared with Mexico in 1846, and
in the Ballston Journal of April 27, 1847, we
find an accoimt of the departure of Ballston
boys for the scene of war. The Journal said :

"honor to the brave."

"On Saturday last the following young men,
viz : Albert Barnes, Henry Ford, Seneca Shepard,
Philander Millard, Wm. H. Thompson, Andrew
Armstrong, Wilber Palmer, Hiram Smith, James
Porter, Wm. H. McKittrick and Nicholas Arm-
strong, left our village for the seat of war in
Mexico. We can say with truth that a braver set
of young men are not to be found, and should
they be called to meet the foe there will be no flinch-
ing on their part, but all will give a good account
of themselves. In such hands we are perfectly
willing to trust the reputation of Old Saratoga for
bravery and prowess in arms."

Other volunteers in this war were James
Schermerhorn, Ransom B. Pettit, Alvin
Luther, Oliver Whitehead, Scott Armstronaf,
E. M. Christie, T. C. Henry, S. Irish, William
Jarvis, John M. Story, H. Van De Bogart, F.
Miller, Edward Gray and Ransom Peckham.

William H. Tliompson writing home from
New York told of their first engagement :
"Already we have stood the charge against
overwhelming niunbers of Albany rowdies,
who attacked us, while peacefully marching
through the streets, with clubs, slung shots
and brick-bats, and I assure you some of
them paid dearlv for waking up the ire of
•Old Saratoga.' "'

Four of Ballston's sons were killed in bat-
tle. They were Jaines Schermerhorn, Ran-
som B. Pettit, Alvin Luther and Hiram Smith.
A monument to their memory stands in the
village cemeter}'.

Of the return of some of the veterans, the
Ballston Journal of August 22, 1848, said:

"SAFE RETURN OF VOLUNTEERS."

"The 'Ballston Boys,' who went from this vil-
lage and vicinity to tight the battles of their coun-
try, have just returned from Mexico. Their ar-
rival created quite a sensation, and immediately
the 'old trophy gun' was brought out, which soon
made the welkin ring in honor of their safe ar-
rival. The names of the volunteers who have re-
turned are McKittrick, Shepard, N. and A. Arm-
strong, H. Ford, W. Palmer and J. Porter."

A coinplimentary supper was given the
returned soldiers at the Village Hotel August
19th. One hundred and thirty were present.
Judge George G. Scott presided. There were
twelve regular toasts, and twenty-three vol-
unteer toasts.

THE CIVIL WAR.

The election of Abraham Lincoln to the
presidency of the United States in Novem-
ber, i860; the talk of the secession of the
Southern States which immediately followed,
and the general unwillingness on the part of
the North to believe that the South would ap-
peal to the dread arbitrament of civil war be-
cause of defeat in the presidential contest,
are facts well within the memory of the writer,
at that time a boy of fourteen. It is not our
purpose to enter into a discussion of the
causes which led up to the war, but rather to
tell the story of the stirring days of '61 to
'65 in the village of Ballston Spa.

When the news of the firing on Fort
Sumter, in Charleston harbor, on April 12,
1861, reached Ballston, the excitement occa-
sioned by the opening of hostilities rose to
fever heat, and the fires of patriotism which
had been smouldering for months burst forth
in a flame of wrath and indignation which
can orily be fully appreciated by those who
participated in the scenes which were enacted.

The Journal said :

"The firing upon Fort Sumter was a surprise upon
the country, followed by the sweeping of a wild ex-
citement over the Free States, equal to that caused
by the battle of Lexington. Slavery has drawn its
glittering steel and bathed it in fr,aternal blood.
That blood is the signal of Freedom's victory. That
blood will cry out for retribution. That blood will
blot out party distinctions, sufficiently, at least, at
the North, to unite us in a common bond for the
preservation of our Government, our Nationality,
and our Free Institutions. It has united our peo-
ple in one common sentiment of love for the Union,
and rallied them to the single purpose of preserv-
ing it at all hazards. The loss of Sumter is our
greatest gain."

144

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

While the bravery of Major Anderson and
his heroic little band was on every lip, it
was not known at the time, nor, indeed, until
long afterward, that the hand which fired
the first shot from Fort Sumter in defiance
of the traitorous southern crew who, from
Fort Moultrie had assaulted "Old Glory," was
the hand of Lieutenant Abner S. Doubleday,
of the United States Army, and a native of
Ballston Spa. Before the close of the war
he attained the high rank of Brevet-]\Iajor
General, U. S. A. Gen. Doubleday was a
son of Ulysses F. Doubleday, editor of one
of the village papers from 1816 to 1823.

A spirit of intense loyalty was everj'where
manifest in the village, but there were a
number, and among them some prominent
citizens, who sympathized with the South.
These men had been enthusiastic supporters
of Stephen A. Douglas for the Presidency,
but they did not follow the noble Douglas,
who said, in his outspoken support of the
National Government, 'I deprecate war, but
if it must come I am with my country, and
for my country under all circumstances and
in everv contingency. Individual policy must
be subordinate to the public safety." These
"secessionists," with many others all over the
North, who espoused the Southern cause,
came to be known as "copperheads." They
were strong in expressing their belief that
the South would win in the terrible conflict ;
that the war was provoked by the North, and
that the South should be allowed to go in
peace, and the war be brought to a close.

It was this kind of talk, in which a few
newspapers joined, that led Horace Greeley,
in his New York Tribune, to make his famous
assertion, "I will not say that all Democrats
are traitors, but I will say that all traitors are
Democrats." The truth of this nice distinc-
tion made by the great editor was abundantly
proven when the call came for seventy-five
thousand volunteers, for Democrat and Re-
publican alike nobly responded, and stood
shoulder to shoulder for the defense of the
Union, and nobody knew, or cared to inquire,
whether one or the other of the great political
parties had the larger number among the vol-
unteers.

On the evening of April 23, 1861, a large
and enthusiastic meeting was held in Waverly
Hall, to take measures for enlisting a com-

pany of volunteers. Hon. . James M. Cook
presided, and patriotic speeches were made
by Seymour Chase, C. C. Hill, James W. Hor-
ton, and the venerable Dr. Babcock. A com-
mittee of fifteen was appointed to have charge
of the enlisting of volunteers. The following
gentlemen were the committee : C. C. Hill,
Robert Speir, Samuel Rue, Henry Knicker-
backer, Seymour Chase, S. H. Drake, N. P.
Hammond, Adam Wilbur, Chauncey Kilmer,
Charles D. Seely, William Warner, Nathaniel
Mann, Reuben Westcot, H. L. Grose, E. W.
Reynolds.

Hon. Isaiah Blood, Hon. George G. Scott,
Samuel H. Cook, William T. Odell and James
W. Horton were appointed a committee to
raise money for the support of the families of
volunteers. Amid much enthusiasm, with the
band playing Yankee Doodle, the meeting ad-
journed. Within three days $1,500 was sub-
scribed, and men were enlisting for service
in the Union Armv.

/flood's &ATTLt AkL'?'

In the issue of the Journal containing an
account of this meeting the "Town Rambler"
in his weekly summary of local events, said:
"I am gratified to see that nearly all our citi-
zens, without regard to party, denounce the
recent acts of the Southern traitors. One
of our leading politicians has met with a con-
version as sudden as that of Saul of Tarsus.
Our citizens are waking up to a healthy ex-
citement." The politician referred to was
Hon. Isaiah Blood. He was State Senator at
this time, and was appointed by Governor
Morgan on the War Committee for Saratoga
county. April 20 Mr. Blood received an order
for a large number of "battle axes" for a
Massachusetts company of flying artillery.
The axes were made and delivered in ten
days. They were two feet in length, of the
finest steel his shops could produce, and were
intended, not only to clear the way for the ar-
tillery through the forests, but for use in bat-
tle as well, and were more terrible as imple-
ments of war than the broadsword of feudal
days. Some time before the firing on Fort
Sumter Mr. Blood received an order for

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

145

similar weapons from New Orleans, but re-
fused to furnish them. He could not be se-
duced from the lofty patriotic stand he had
taken.

Gen. Cook on hearing: that the Albany
Burgesses Corps had tendered their services
to Governor Morgan, wrote to his son, James
Cady Cook, in Albany, this letter:

"Ballston Spa, April 22, 1861.
"Dear Son — I see by the Troy papers received
here this afternoon, that the 'Burgesses' have ten-
dered their services to the Governor. If this is so
you must not fail to go with them. This is hard
advice for a father to give an only son, and the
more so when the situation of your own family is
considered. It would be a burning disgrace to you
if you failed in duty now, such as you could never
recover from during your whole life, and would
stigmatize the whole family. You are too young a
man to start wrong in life, and although you have
everything to keep you at home, it will not do at
this time to stand back, if the Company of which
you are a member has volunteered. Whilst I re-
gret the necessity (if it exists,) it is one of those
responsibilities that must be met at all hazards.
The war feeling is so strong here that it is danger-
ous to personal safety to preach treason.
"Yours affectionately,

"JAS. M. COOK."

The Journal commenting, said, "this is the
kind of talk for the times, and is just what
might be expected from the known character
of the man. Do the Southern chivalry hope
to subdue the sons of such sires? We know
they are brave as any men need be, but they
can never conquer men who are equally as
brave, and five to one. Never! never 1"

In striking contrast to the letter of Mr.
Cook, the Journal, a few weeks later, said:
"The following correspondence recently
passed between a gentleman and his son,
who left college to fight for his country:

'B., Jr. — If you enlist, I disinherit you. B., Sr.'
'B., Sr. — Without a country, I want no inherit-
ance. I have enlisted. B., Jr.' "

April 29 a splendid liberty pole, one hun-
dred and thirty feet in height was raised in
front of the Armory, in the presence of thou-
sands, and "old glory" proudly waved from
its top. An incident in connection with this
event is given further on in this chapter.
The stars and stripes floated from a high
pole in front of the Cook mills on the Island ;
the cotton factory of J. A. Hovey, and the
knitting mill of Hiro Jones were covered

with flags, and from the poles on the court
house and the armory the national ensign
was flung to the breeze.

THE FIRST VOLUNTEERS.

The first Ballston boys to enlist were
George M. Hoyt, Robert Birch Kelly and
John Emperor. The call for volunteers was
made April 15, and two days later, April 17,
Hoyt, Kelly and Emperor enlisted in Com-
pany I, i8th Regiment, N. Y. Vols., recruited
in Albany.

Chauncey B. Irish, then living in Wor-
cester, Mass., enlisted about the same time,
in Holt's Rifle Corps. Just before starting
for Washington his friends presented him
with a bowie knife and revolver costing
twenty dollars. On being mustered in the
inspecting officer pronounced him to be the
hardiest and strongest man in the batallion.

"Will" Horton and John Harlow were the
next to enroll, joining the 44th Regiment, en-
listed almost entirely from the city of Albany.
This regiment was known as the "Ellsworth
Avengers."

Harlow and Irish were young men of
gigantic strength, and as courageous as they
were strong. When the boys of the village
first heard of the remark of a Southern fire-
eater, that "one Southerner was as good as
five Yankee 'mudsills,' we eagerly discussed
as to what would happen if that 'fire-eater'
should tackle either Harlow or Irish. We
were quite sure his opinion would be surpris-
ingly modified, in fact, that it would be en-
tirely reversed, for we knetv that in all the
Southland the physical prowess of these Balls-
ton boys could not be equalled, and that one
Yankee was as good as five Southerners any
time and anywhere. Before the war was
over, even our village boys conceded, some-
what reluctantly we admit, that the Southern
troops were equally brave as those of the
North ; but we softened the verdict by saying,
"Well, we are all of one blood, anyhow I"

In the latter part of May, John Thompson
arrived at home from Memphis, Tennessee.
He said, "I was impressed into the rebel army,
but not relishing the idea of fighting against
the Union, I took 'French leave' one night,
of the minions of JefT. Davis, and fled for
my old home."

146

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

A VERMONT CAPTAIN.

It was not an uncommon thing at this time
for trains to pass through the village carrying
troops from the northern counties and from
Vermont to the front. Great crowds would
gather at the railroad station to greet them
and cheer them on their way. One day a
long train, drawn by two locomotives, and
having aboard an entire Vermont regimen:,
halted for some time at Ballston, while some
repairs were being made to one of the en-
gines. Many of the brawny Vermonters
alighted from the cars, and marched up and
down the station yard. And magnificent
looking men they were. Some of our boys
who had recently enlisted said to a group of
the Vermont recruits, "we'll see you in Wash-
ington." This incident was recalled to the
writer forty years later, in the little mining
town of Atlanta, in the mountains of Idaho.
Seated at dinner by the side of a stalwart
miner, I noticed that he wore the small
"bronze button" of the G. A. R. Thinking I
might hear some reminiscence of the "days
of '6i," I said to him: "Did you serve with
the Western troops in the war?" He replied,
"No! I was from Vermont — what regiment
were you in?" Saying that I could not claim
the honor of having served in the Union army,
I remarked that my home was in Saratoga
county, New York. "Saratoga, did you say?"
he quickly replied ; "do you know Col.
French." Replying that the Colonel was one
of my friends, my hand was seized with a grip
which proved that the good right arm of the
Vermont soldier had lost none of its vigor.
He said: "I'm glad to know you! my Regi-
ment and the 77th New York were in the
same brigade. No braver officer ever belted
on a sword than Col. French. And say!
that 77th could fight. They didn't know
what the word "retreat" meant, and there
wasn't a Regiment in either army, North or
South, that could whip them, unless (and a
twinkle came into his eyes) it was ours."
Saying, in response to an inquiry, that my
home was at Ballston Spa, seven miles south
of Saratoga, the veteran said: "I know the
place ; when we were going to the front that
was the only place our train stopped between
Rutland and Albany. I remember some of
your boys said they would see us in Washing-
ton. I don't know whether they did or not.

or whether they were in the 77th or some
other Regiment, but if your town had any
boys in that fighting crowd, you ought to be
proud of them." I told him that Company B
was from Ballston. "Well, well," he said,
"I am glad to see you ; it brings back old army
days. Tell Col. French when you get home,

that Capt. of the th Vermont,

sends his very best regards. He'll remember
me." Shaking hands, we parted, and with a
long, swinging step, the old veteran started
up the mountain trail. At a little distance he
turned and shouted back: "Don't forget my
name and regiment, and give my love to the
Colonel I" A-fter the lapse of several years
the name and regiment of the Vermonter has
passed from our memory, but the incident will
never be forgotten. The message was de-
livered to Gen. French a month later and he
said : "You don't tell me ! Remember Capt.

; well, I guess I do! He was

a brave soldier, in a brave Regiment. With
the — th Vermont and the old 77th, (God
bless them!) behind me, we could whip our
weight in wild cats !" and the General's eyes
gleamed with the old "battle-fire" as he
spoke.

COMPROMISE AND PEACE.

In the month of July, 1861, handbills were
posted in the village which read : "Peace,
Compromise and Union! All who are in
favor of peace, compromise and union, and op-
posed to a large standing army. All opposed
to a large national debt, are requested to meet
at the Court House in Ballston Spa on Sat-
urday, July 27, at 3 p. m." About one hun-
dred citizens attended the meeting, a larsfe
majority of whom were not in sympathy with
its purpose. John Wait presided, and John
Brotherson was the first speaker. He spoke
at considerable length, the keynote of his
speech finding expression in these words:
"It is the agitation of the slave question
which has brought the present trouble on
our country. Those who favor the war are
disunionists. War is in eflfect disunion. How
can this be averted? By compromise. Com-
promise is peace, and peace, on any honorable
terms, is preferable to war, which must end
in permanent disunion."

C. C. Hill, a prominent lawyer, and an elo-
quent speaker, was then called out by the

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

147

Chairman. -Mr. Hill was chairman of the
committee on enlistment of volunteers, and
it had been rumored that he was not taking:
any active part in the work, and had been
heard to say that he was in favor of a peace-
ful compromise, and in sympathy with the
objects of the meeting. But if any one had
believed these rumors, they were quickly un-
deceived. Mr. Hill made a fiery speech, cre-
ating the wildest enthusiasm, and turning the
meeting into a rousing endorsement of the
Union cause. After denying, in most em-
phatic language, the rumors with regard to
himself, Mr. Hill continuing, said: "I feel
called upon to repudiate and denounce such
meetings as this. Mr. Brotherson has gravely
inquired, what has produced this war. I
will tell him. This war is to be traced to the
very scoundrels who now have arms in their
hands." Upon the question of compromise,
Mr. Hill said : "There is only one I would
make. I would be willing to say to Jefferson
Davis and his whole traitorous crew, lay down
your arms and return to your allegiance, and
vour miserable lives, which you have justly
forfeited to the laws of your country, shall
be spared."

The speech, and a resolution which Mr.
Hill ofiFered at its conclusion, did not please
the gentlemen who had signed the call for the
meeting, and one of them, evidently disgusted
with the complexion which matters w£re as-
suming, said in a complaining manner, "Those
who called the meeting ought to have the
privilege of conducting its business, I doubt
the right of Mr. Hill to submit the resolution
he has offered." Another said: "I think
Mr. Hill's speech too much in keeping with
the spirit that now carries on the war. We
all want the war ended. The nigger is at the
bottom of it. I wish to ask Mr. Hill if he
thinks the slaves can be liberated without des-
troying the Union? No one believes that
every slave can be freed and the Union be
preserved."

Mr. Hill replied — "I say they can. I say
it is a slander on the Government to say that
this war is for the liberation of the slaves.
But if in the war to put down the rebellion,
slavery should necessarily be abolished, as a
legitimate result of the war, I shall not shed
many tears over it. I repeat, better that
every slave should be run oflf than that the

Government be broken up. Has slavery done
more for the world than American liberty?
Are not the laws of the Free States better
than the Black Code of the South? Why is
it that gentlemen here have so much to say
about wrongs done to the South, and nothing
to say of the wrongs done by the South?"
The meeting broke up with cheers for the
Union, President Lincoln and the Union
army.

A correspondent writing to the Journal
August 5. said :

"It seems that we have in our midst sympathizers
with the South. There are men among them of
high standing, heretofore ; men formerly having in-
fluence, and who may even now, by their traitorous
harangues, turn the minds of some of our loyal cit-
izens. How much longer will this be permitted?
Shall we permit a few rebels to arise in our midst
and aid in destroying this glorious fabric built up
by the blood of our fathers? By no means. Let
some course be taken to break up 'peace meetings,'
and treat everyone who attends to express his sym-
pathy for our country's enemies, in a manner which
shall insure a perfect dislodgment."

Another wrote: "Here in our midst, and scat-
tered through all the towns and villages of the
North, are men whose sympathies are enlisted in
the cause of Southern treason, and whose influence,
so far as it goes, is all thrown against the Govern-
ment and the flag."

While the North was smarting: under the
disaster and defeat at the first battle of Bull
Run, in the month of July, Hon. James B.
McKean, then our Representative in Congress,
issued from his home in Saratoga Springs, a
call for volunteers, in which he said : "Let
us organize a Bemis Heights Battalion, and
vie with each other in serving our country,
thus showing we are inspired by the holy
memories of the Revolutionary battle-fields
upon and near which we are living."

COMPANY B, 77TH REGIMENT.

This call met with immediate response
from all parts of the county. A meeting was
held at the Armory in this village to com-
plete the organization of the Ballston Com-
pany. Stephen Horton was called on to
speak. He said : "I cannot make a speech.
We are engaged in a glorious cause. I ad-
dress you as soldiers, for I have enlisted with
you. We go to the battle field, and there are
no hardships falling to a soldier's lot that we
are not willing to share. We go as the de-
fenders of our country and our flag — not to

148

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

subjugate a people, but to preserve our coun-
try, and the blessings and privileges bought
by the blood of our patriot ancestors. We
follow the flag first unfurled on our soil, and
for our country we will live, for our country
we will die. My life is my country's, and
here I pledge it on the altar of my country."

C. C. Hill took the opportunity to correct
the report that he did not intend to go with
the Company, saying : "I tell you I am going
with this Company in any capacity assigned
me. Its fortunes shall be my fortunes ; its
defeat my defeat; its triumph my triumph. I
have no promise of office, and shall have none
unless chosen by this Company. Capt. Ham-
mond authorizes me to say the same for him."

At this meeting the total number enrolled
was fifty-four.

A week later, on the evening of September
23, a meeting was held in Waverly Hall. The
hall was crowded. L. Murray Crane presided,
and in opening the meeting said : "It is well
known that our Company is to start for the
drill camp at Saratoga to-morrow. The ob-
ject of this meeting is to bid them farewell,
and to raise funds to provide for their
families."

Gen. Cook said : "I am proud to see that
old Ballston is to take the field, and that the
honor of Ballston is safe in your keeping.
We shall make arrangements for the proper
care of your families, and I call upon Mr.
Horton to render a report of the committee
on finance." Mr. Horton reported that the
fund was $2,450, from which $20 a week has
been paid, leaving the fund now about $2,000.
Mr. Cook made a proposition as an individual
to pay four dollars to each family of a volun-
teer who was mustered into service.

Judge Scott was called for and responded
as follows: "I came to hear others, not to
make a speech. This is an occasion that oc-
curs but seldom. A few years ago several of
our citizens went to the Mexican war. They
returned and their reception was honorable.
You go forth, not against a foreign foe, but
to put down a domestic enemy. You go
against a most gigantic rebellion warring upon
the most beneficent Government in the world.
You go forth, I trust, not to a long war. I
hope it will soon be ended. I trust the day is
not far distant when this rebellion will be
crushed — when the deluded men of the South

will return to their allegiance, and you will
come back to us crowned with honor."

C. C. Hill said: "I shall make no speech.
Ten days ago we commenced our Company,
and to-night we have eighty men enrolled, a
result equal to anything accomplished in the
cities. Notwithstanding our unparalleled
success, it has not been without opposition.
Insidious and disgraceful opposition has en-
deavored to thwart our enterprise. It has
been said that you are not bound to go. To
settle this I read the enlistment roll. It is not
a promise to enlist, but an actual enlistment."

A few days later the Company numbered
over ninety men. C. C. Hill was elected Cap-
tain; N. P. Hammond, first lieutenant; Ste-
phen S. Horton, second lieutenant.

Company E was the rank given the Balls-
ton company in the regiment. At "Camp
Schuyler," the name given the drill camp, the
following was adopted:

"Resolved, That in consideration of the patriotic
and efficient aid rendered by Gen. James M. Cook
in the formation of this Company, and of the
munificent provision made by him for the support
of the famiUes of its members, and as a mark of
respect for him personally, we hereby adopt as the
name of this Company, the 'James M. Cook Na-
tional Guard'."

Governor Morgan designated the Bemis
Heights Battalion the "77th Regiment," in
commemoration of the year in which the bat-
tle of Bemis Heights was fought.

The Bemis Heights Battalion, Col. James
B. McKean, commanding, left Saratoga for
Washington on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday,
November 28. The train did not stop at
Ballston, where a great crowd had assembled
to say good-bye to Company B. The Com-
pany and Regiment, however, had a rousing
reception and farewell as the train passed the
station, from the cheering crowd, the firing
of cannon, the ringing of bells, and the toot-
ing of whistles.

Rev. David Tully, pastor of the Presby-
terian Church, was appointed Chaplain of the
Regiment, and preached his farewell sermon
on Sunday evening, December ist, to a con-
gregation that filled the church to overflow-
ing. In closing his sermon, Mr. Tully said,
"I expect to return in June next, by which
time I think the rebellion will be put down."
Many others believed that the war would be

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

149

of brief duration, but they were sadly mis-
taken.

Miletus S. Taft, a member of the Ballston
Cornet Band, organized the Regimental Band
of the 77th Regiment, and was its leader. At-
wood Wilber, Collins Foster and Luther Irish
were also members of the Ballston Band who
joined the Regimental band.

Capt. Hill and Lieut. Hammond resigned
on account of continued ill health, in July,
1862, and Lieut. Horton was promoted to

Captam 6Li.phen S. Hui tun.

the Captaincy, and became the idol of his
company. He never asked his men to go
where he was not ready to lead. In the battle
of Fredericksburgh, while leading his Com-
pany in a desperate charge, he came near
losing his life. He was stunned by the burst-
ing of a shell, and carried to the rear, sup-
posed to be mortally wounded.

At this time Col. McKean was ill at his
home in Saratoga, and Lt.-Col. French, (after-
ward Gen. French,) was in command of the
77th. Writing of this battle to Col. McKean,
he gave this glowing description of the
charge :

'"We charged up the heights and Capt. Wheeler
fell while urging on his men. (Wheeler was cap-
tain of the Saratoga Company, C.) We took one
stand of colors from the i8th Mississippi, and nearly
one hundred men, a Lieutenant-Colonel and a
Captain. The 33rd New York followed on the right,
and of course did their work well. On the left I
had no support, so I rallied the men on the colors,
and charged up the hill alone. Oh, how nobly the
boys moved up. I rushed on with them and cap-
tured two brass cannon, a pair of horses, caissons,
etc., and about twenty prisoners. Gen. Howe rode
up while I had my foot on the cannon and said :
'Noble boys — the 77th has covered itself with glory'."

Under date of April 10, 1863, Captain
Horton wrote his father, James W. Horton:

"My Company is getting on quite well. I feel
proud of old Company B. Their ranks are thinned,
and many of the old faces are not seen, but what
are left are of the right sort. They have just come
in from inspection by the Brigade Inspector, and
he told me that our equipments were in as good
order as any Company he ever inspected — in fact,
old Company B can't be beat"

Captain Horton was twice severely wounded
in battle, the last time at the battle of Antie-
tam. May 23, 1863, he was honorably dis-
charged, with high commendation for bravery
in the field, his wounds incapacitating him for
further service.

The three years' term of enlistment having
e.xpired, the 77th returned to Saratoga in No-
vember, 1864, and on December 13 was mus-
tered out of service. Ten men of Company
B were mustered out at this time. The other
members, some forty in number, with many
others who enlisted in 1861, re-enlisted, and
with the recruits added to the Regiment in
1862, and subsequently, were organized into
the 77th Veteran Battalion, under the com-
mand of Captain David J. Caw. The Battal-
ion was assigned to the place vacated by the
old 77th, and remained in the service until
the close of the war. The war over the Bat-
talion was mustered out June 27, 1865. Com-
pany B took part in fifty-three skirmishes, en-
gagements and battles.

COMPANY C, II5TH REGIMENT.

Hon. George S. Batcheller, on July 29, 1862,
was commissioned Captain of Volunteers, and
authorized to enlist a Company of volunteers,
to be attached to the 115th New York, then
being recruited in the counties of Montgom-
ery, Fulton, Hamilton and Saratoga, form

150

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

ing the Fifteenth Senate District. Mr.
Batcheller was a son-in-law of James M.
Cook, and resided in Ballston Spa. He at
once opened a recruiting station in the vil-
lage, and on August 12, fourteen days from
the time he received his commission his com-
pany was more than full, one hundred and
twenty-five men having enrolled.

Gen. Cook proposed that the citizens of
Ballston Spa make a subscription for the pur-

Captain William H. McKittrick.

pose of paying ten dollars to each volunteer
in Captain Batcheller's company, and started
the list with $250. Isaiah Blood and Samuel
H. Cook each gave $200, and the amount re-
quired was quickly raised by subscriptions
ranging from $50 to $10, the sum of $1,300
being contributed.

Ten days later Capt. Batcheller was ap-
pointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the Regiment,
and William H. McKittrick, a veteran of the
Mexican war was commissioned Captain of
Company C. Capt. McKittrick was killed in
battle before Richmond in 1864. His body
was never recovered, and he lies in an im-

known soldier's grave. McKittrick Post is
named in honor of his memory.

Col. Batcheller resigned in November, 1863,
and was succeeded as Lt-Colonel by Nathan
J. Johnson, a former resident of Ballston Spa.
Johnson acted as Colonel of the regiment from
April, 1865, to the close of the war, receiving
his commission as Colonel on the day the
regiment was mustered out of service. Col.
Johnson again became a resident of this vil-
lage, where he died.

Gen. Batcheller was born in Batchellerville,
and soon after reaching his twenty-first year
was elected Member of Assembly from the
Second District. After his resignation from
the army he was made Inspector-General of
the State of New York, and later was ap-
pointed to represent the United States as
Judge in the International Court at Cairo,
Egypt. He served again in the Assembly in
the years 1866, 1869, 1873 and 1874. He
has been United States Minister to Portugal.
Assistant Treasurer of the United States, and
is now serving for a second term as Judge of
the International Court at Cairo.

Company C of the 115th Regiment, was re-
cruited in Ballston Spa, and the immediate
vicinity, and many of the survivors of the
Company are still residents of the village.
About twenty-five members of Co. I were also
from this village and vicinity. The' Regiment
took part in ten battles : Maryland Heights,
Olustee, Drewry's Blufif, Coal Harbor, Peters-
burg, Deep Bottom. Chapin's Farm, Darby-
town Road, Fort Fisher and Wilmington.
And also in twenty-one skirmishes and en-
gagements of more or' less importance.

Other regiments in which men were en-
listed from this village were the 44th New
York Infantry, the 4th and 13th Heavy Ar-
tillery and the 2nd Cavalry.

DISASTER.

After the disastrous campaign early in
1863, the following appeared in the Journal:

"In Despair. — The Ballston Atlas, in an articlfe
headed 'Disaster to our arms,' says : 'Pen stops as
the dismal future looms up horrid' and desperate,
and Faith and Hope are no longer with us.' Pos-
sibly the Atlas for once feels bad over the Union
reverses. Probably it feels bad. On the whole we
think it now certainly feels bad. It is without
Faith and Hope, which is a sad condition. Its pen
stops, which will be no loss to the public. If it

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

151

would only stay stopped the world would turn
round as usual."

The Journal of February ii, 1862, gave the
following samples of "war poetry:"

"repudiation."

'Neath a ragged palmetto a Southerner sat,
A-twirling the band of his panama hat,
And trying to lighten his mind of a load
By humming the words of the following ode:
'Oh ! for a nigger and oh for a whip !
Oh ! for a cocktail ! and oh ! for a nip I
Oh ! for a shot at old Greeley and Beecher !
Oh ! for a crack at a Yankee school teacher !
Oh I for a captain ! and oh ! for a ship !
Oh! for a cargo of niggers each trip!
And so he kept oh-ing for all he had not.
Not contented with owing for all that he'd got'."

"a contraband refrain."

"Now much in vogue at Fortress Monroe."

"Wake up snakes, pelicans, and Sesh-ners !
Don't yer hear 'um comin' —

Comin' on de run?
Wake up I tell yer ! Git up Jeflferson !
Bobolishion's comin' —
Bob-o-lish-ion."

VICTORY.

The news of the surrender of Vicksburg
on July 4, 1863, and the Union victory at
Gettysburg reached Ballston the same day.
What took place is described in the Journal :

"Last Tuesday night we had a time of general
rejoicing in Ballston over the fall of Vicksburg and
the glorious victory at Gettysburg. The 'old trophy
gun' of Burgoyne days roared as loud as 'old Tom'
could make it roar ; fife and drum whistled and
rattled as if calling out the militia to meet an ad-
vancing enemy; all the bells rang out their joyful
peals, illuminations, bon-fires, fire crackers, and
various other inventions demonstrated the popular
exultation. Ballston can jubilate when it has a
mind to, equal to any other place of its size, and it
had a mind to last Tuesday night."

The "old Tom" referred to was Thomas
Mainhood, who had just returned, after two
years' service in Company B.

This item appeared in the Journal of No-
vember 8, 1864:

"A few days ago the death of James Garrett at
Hampden Hospital was announced in the Albany
Argus. In front of one of our stores a group were
discussing the possibilities of its being the son of
Anson B. Garrett, when a 'peace Democrat,' sup-
posing it must be Garrett's son, said : 'Serves him
right, d — n him. They are all in for this d — d
abolition war.' Similar expressions in reference to
our soldiers have been used by prominent 'copper-

heads' in this village again and again within the
last two years."

The soldier alluded to was James S. Gar-
rett, son of Anson B. Garrett. He was
severely wounded, but recovered, and is now
living in Glens Falls.

An incident of more pleasingf character
and quite the opposite in spirit, occurred a
few days later. The ladies of the village
proposed to send a Thanksgiving dinner to
Company B. Three boxes stuffed with
turkeys, chicken, roasted pork, spare-rib,
mince pies, fried cakes, higdom, catsup,
doughnuts, apples, cheese, preserved fruits,
and other delicacies were sent by express to
the brave boys at the front, the express com-
pany transporting the dinner free of charge.
One of the boys writing home, said:

"Never did a Thanksgiving dinner taste so good.
How the boys enjoyed it. There was enough and
to spare. The turkey was fine, and the mince pies.
— my, but they were good. When we were almost
too full for utterance, three cheers were proposed
for the Ballston ladies, and they were given with a
will and a tiger."

THE DR.'^FT RIOTS.

There was a demand for more troops early
in 1863, and volunteer enlistments at this time
being made slowly, the government ordered a
draft in all the loyal States, to raise the re-
quired number of men. The "copperheads"
everywhere violently opposed the measure, and
so stirred up the unruly element in the cities,
that the terrible draft riots of July, 1863, in
New York city and elsewhere, resulted. In
New York the Tribune and Herald offices
were sacked, and hundreds of people, largely
among the colored inhabitants, were killed by
the savage mob. In Troy there was serious
rioting, and the office of the Troy Times was
gutted. In its issue of July 21, the Journal
said:

"The last week was one of unusual excitement
in our ordinarily quiet village. Groups of men,
conversing in low tones, might be seen at almost
every corner, and in some instances there were ut-
terances too disgraceful to be repeated. In other in-
stances threats were made which might well shame
a highwayman or a pirate. Nobody was scared ex-
cept a few women and children. In our humble
opinion, the vaunted right of free speech was
abused in a most outrageous manner, and we hope
never again to hear of such malignant expressions
as were let loose upon an errand of mischief in this

152

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

community. If harmless by reason of their source,
they would become unpleasant by repetition. This
is not the time for intemperate and inconsiderate
language, when the public mind is fevered over the
most fiendish and barbarous riot that has ever dis-
graced our country."

In emulation of the dastardly deeds com-
mitted in New York, several Ballston toughs
one morning attacked three Ballston negroes
on Bath street, in front of the engine house.
Frank Anthony, Gus Nelson and Frank Jack-
son were more than a match for the white
ruffians, who, finding themselves worsted in
the encounter, began to throw stones, and one
of them drew a knife. At this juncture David
Maxwell, a justice of the peace, and David
R. Harlow and "Elder" Dye, constables, ap-
peared on the scene. Harlow and Maxwell
were powerful men, and each seized two of
the miscreants, and shaking them much as a
dog would shake a rat, started for the office
of the justice, over the store of S. Gould, Jr.
Dye followed with another prisoner. Up the
stairs Maxwell and Harlow dragged their
men, in no gentle manner, and the crowd fol-
lowed. Our duty as a faithful chronicler of
events compelled us to mingle in the crowd.
Justice Maxwell commenced to write, when a
prominent citizen spoke: "Squire," he said,
"I'll go bail for these men !" "What's that !"
thundered Maxwell, "bail did you say. These
scoundrels are going to jail, and anyone who
offers bail will go to jail with them. We'll
have no draft rioting in this town." Nothing
further was said about bail, and five miser-
able rowdies had ten days "on the hill" to
reflect on the speedy justice meted out in
Squire Maxwell's Court. The other mis-
creants escaped.

Copperheadism vented itself in loud de-
nunciations against carrying into effect the
draft law, and high words drew the line
sharply between the "war Democrats" and
the "peace Democrats." From that time on
there raged in Ballston Spa a heavy battle of
words. The Journal had made itself par-
ticularly obnoxious by its unsparing con-
demnation of Kukluxism and treason, and its
office was marked for destruction by the Troy
Kluklux Klan, an oath-bound organization
whose existence had been kept secret until
the destruction by them of the office of the
Troy Times. The captain had a map of the

village, and the residences of Republicans
were marked for burning or destruction in
some form. Their villainous plans became
known, and Captain Horton at once organ-
ized a company of furloughed and returned
soldiers, together with the Home Guard.
They were armed, and ready to defend any
point that might be attacked. On a certain
afternoon early in September the Troy band
of ruffians started for Ballston. A little
after eight o'clock in the evening the rioters
came into the village and gathered at the cor-
ner of Front and Bath streets. They began
to make loud threats against the Black Re-
publicans, and the leader of the marauders
shouted, "To the Journal office first." Mr.
Grose, editor of the Journal, who was present,
shouted back, "You miserable cowards and
villains, go right on ; you will find the doors
of the Journal office open; you can go in, but
how many will be able to come out alive I
can't tell." Some of them said "he must have
an infernal machine up there." He said,
"You may get out quicker than you get in.
I warn you to get out of town quietly before
ten o'clock." Captain Horton's company then
drew up, the drums rattled, pistols were fired,
and the rioters took to their heels. The
soldiers patrolled the streets, and before ten
o'clock perfect quiet reigned. This occurrence
gave warning of what might happen. There-
after, incendiary speeches were rarely heard,
and no further disturbance took place.

LAST DAYS OF THE WAR.

Of the scenes witnessed in Ballston Spa
during the closing days of the war in 1865 ;
of the supreme joy everywhere manifested
over the fall of Richmond ; a joy which a
week later was suddenly changed into the
deepest gloom and sorrow, we can give no
better account than to again copy from the
Ballston Journal, to whose faithful chroni-
cling of events we are so greatly indebted for
the local history of the great "war between
the states." In its editorial columns of April
8, the Journal said:

"Victory I Glory ! At length the supreme day and
hour of triumph have come ! The long suspense
and agony are ended, and joy unbounded thrills the
great heart of the nation. With the fall of Rich-
mond the war is virtually ended * » * * Praise
the Lord, and let all the people say Amen !"

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

153

In the local columns of the same issue ap-
peared the following:

"For a few days the country has been wild with
joy over the downfall of Richmond. Flags flying,
bells pealing, cannon roaring, torch-lights flaring,
bon-fires blazing, illuminations gleaming, and every
other possible method of demonstrating the furor,
have ruled the glad hour of triumph. Staid old
Ballston was alive with enthusiasm, and if the
bounds of propriety were somewhat exceeded, it
was deemed excusable in a time of universal ex-
travagances. We couldn't hold in, and when we
can't, we don't expect anybody else will. There
was a splendid exhibition of fireworks, a glowing
address by Rev. Mr. Holman, and patriotic songs
were sung by the young ladies of the Sans Souci
Seminary, closing a celebration that does honor to
the town.

"Ring royal bells — ring out great chimes !

Thrill with your joy the glowing air!
Make jubilant this blissful time —

This hour of hours — this moment rare !
Ring royal bells I peal wide your notes.
O'er Richmond's towers 'Old Glory' floats!"

A week later, while the note of joy over the
victory won was still sounding on the air,
the fearful word was flashed over the wires
from Washington, that the great "War Pres-
ident" had fallen by the hand of an assassin.
We quote again from the Journal :

"Lincoln Dead. — The announcement of his mur-
der plunges the loyal part of this nation into the
profoundest sorrow. In the crowning hour of re-
joicing came the fatal deed that damns the assassin
and his instigators to everlasting infamy. In a
moment a nation's joy was turned into sorrow,
and the appalling transition was so unexpected that
it fell with crushing weight. No note of warn-
ing foreshadowed the coming horror, and the land
is enshrouded in the gloom of midnight while yet
the sun is at the zenith."

There was one traitor in the village who
rejoiced over the awful deed. An item in the
Journal reads:

"Ballston will henceforth be noted for the great-
est stretch of magnanimity on record. On the fatal
Saturday of our Nation's woe, a creature in male
attire said he was glad Lincoln was dead ; he ought
to have been killed four years ago. He was not
arrested, knocked down, nor dragged out. Great
is magnanimity."

The funeral obsequies of President Lincoln
took place in Washington on Wednesday,
April 19. The Journal said of the mournful
occasion: "It was a solemn day in Ballston.
The emblems of grief greeted the eye in every
street; the stores and public places were
closed, and services appropriate to the day

were attended at Christ Church and at the
Methodist Church, commencing at twelve
o'clock.

"There are little knots on the corners to-day,
And with bated breath they utter,
Not alone a dirge o'er the inanimate clay.
But avenging whispers mutter.

We are tasting to-day of the bitter cup.
Oh, lesson, we heed thy warning;

We know but One who can lift us up —
'Tis night — it will yet be morning."

WAR WITH SPAIN.

War against Spain, for the liberation of
oppressed Cuba, was declared in April, 1898,
and on the 23rd of that month President Mc-
Kinley issued a call for 125,000 volunteers.
These troops were immediately recruited from
the ranks of the National Guard of the various
States of the Union.

Again Ballston Spa answered the country's
call, and the following were enrolled among
the volunteers:

William P. Kinns, Charles T. Lockhart,
Charles Reid, Thomas W. McNamara, James
E. McGarr, William J. Neef, Frederick King,
Charles C. Cook, Charles Crippen, Harry B.
Ford, Charles H. Williams, Harry Snyder,
Paul M. Pelletreau, William H. Newkom,
Gerritt V. S. Ouackenbush, Capt. Guy E.
Baker, and Capt. William H. McKittrick.

Capt. McKittrick was commissioned a Cap-
tain of Volunteers, and attached to the per-
sonal staff of Gen. Shafter, his father-in-law,
in command of the United States forces in
Cuba. He took part in the battle of San
Juan, and also in the engagements around
Santiago, and on the surrender of that city
was detailed by Gen. Shafter to hoist the
American flag over the government building
in that city. And to a Ballston boy fell the
distinguished honor of raising "Old Glory"
for the first time on Cuban soil, in token of
victory for the American army. Captain
McKittrick was born in Ballston Spa, the
son of William H. McKittrick, who served in
the Mexican war, and also in the civil war as
captain of Co. C, 115th New York volunteers,
and was killed in battle in front of Richmond.

Naval Cadet Powell, one of the little band
of heroes, who, under Lieutenant Richard P.

154

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Hobson, sank the collier Merrimac in the en-
trance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, in
an effort to imprison Admiral Cervera's fleet,
is a grandson of the late ex-Sheriff George
B. Powell, and a great grand-son of Elisha
Powell, one of the early settlers of Milton.

July 4th a celebration was held on the Fair
Ground in this village, for the purpose of
raising a fund to provide comforts for the
Pjallston soldiers in the camp at Fernandina,
Fla. The late Rev. Charles Pelletreau, Rec-
tor of Christ Church, was in charge of the
festivities. Thousands were present, and
$1,200 was realized from the celebration.

The larger number of the Ballston volun-
teers were attached to the Saratoga Citizens
Corps, which was designated as Company L
of the Second Regiment. The Company on
May 2, 1898, left Saratoga, and with the
Regiment proceeded to Camp Black, on Long
Island, where they were mustered into ser\^ice
for two years, unless sooner discharged.

May 18 the Regiment left Camp Black and
arrived at Chattanooga, Tenn., on the night
of May 20. Early next morning they made
their new camp on the famous battle-field of
Chickamauga, where one of the greatest bat-
tles of the civil war was fought.

On the first day of June the Second Regi-
ment broke camp, and led the way to Tampa,
Florida, where the Regiment encamped until
July 26, when orders were received to pro-
ceed to the large and more healthful camp at
Fernandina.

From day to day orders to sail for Cuba
or Porto Rico were hourlv expected, but the
early suspension of hostilities, and the con-
clusion of peace with Spain, rendered this un-
necessary. Company L was mustered out
October 27, and the Ballston boys returned
home.

REMINISCENCES.

A LIBERTY POLE.

Two weeks after the firing on Fort Sum-
ter in April, 1861, a liberty pole one hundred
and thirty feet in height was raised on High
street, in front of the Armory. The first sec-
tion, up to a decking, was sixty feet, the sec-
ond section forty, and spliced to this was the
topmost section of thirty feet. Through some

oversight, the large gilt ball at the top was
not settled to its place, but left about two feet
of the iron rod to which it was attached visi-
ble from the street. Lee Whalen volunteered
to climb the pole and drive the ball into place.
Whalen had spent some years at sea, and
quickly climbed to the deck, the pole having
spikes up to this point. From the deck to the
top was a sheer climb of seventy feet, but
Whalen seemed to mount more rapidly than
ever. He was anxiously watched by the as-
sembled thousands, as the pole swayed vio-
lently. Reaching the top, Whalen unslung
the large wooden maul from his belt, and
quickly drove the ball into its proper position.
He then slid rapidly down the pole, amid
the cheers of the multitude. Within a few
days, while a strong wind was blowing, some
miscreant cut one of the guy ropes, and the
upper seventy feet of the pole was blown
into the vacant lot where the residence of
Mr. Theodore Haight now stands, and "Old
Glory" lay trailing in the mud. Suspicion
pointed to a resident of the village, and it
required a vigorous effort on the part of James
W. Horton and some others, to prevent a
coat of tar and feathers being applied to the
suspected party. The pole was replaced in
a few days, and stood until the close of the
war.

TRUE PATRIOTISM.

A determined effort was being made to
fill the quota of volunteers required from the
town of Milton, and on Sunday evening Sep-
tember 7, 1862. a mass meeting was held at
the recruiting tent on Low street. A plat-
form had been erected for the speakers, and
after several had spoken, Rev. William O.
Holman came over from the Baptist Church
near by, at the close of his service, and mount-
ing the rostrum, made an eloquent and in-
tensely patriotic appeal to the assembled
multitude. In the crowd on the street was
Mr. Eli Settle, the proprietor of the Blue
Mill. Too far advanced in years to enlist
himself, he was urging a young man to en-
roll his name. Said the young man : "I
would like to go, but I have nothing to leave
my family." Taking a roll of bills from his
pocket, Mr. Settle replied : "Here are fifty
dollars to give your wife, and I will see that
she wants for nothing while you are gone."

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

155

The young man promptly enlisted. To an-
other Mr. Settle repeated the offer, and an-
other name was enrolled. To a third young
man Mr. Settle said: "I have but ten dollars
left, but if you will enlist, you can have that,
and here is my watch for security until I can
get to the Bank in the morning, when you
shall have the other forty." To this the young
fellow replied : "I don't want your watch,
Mr. Settle, your word is good enough for
nie." And down went his name, and the
quota was filled.

Mr. Settle was not the only man in Balls-
ton to give practical evidence of this char-
acter, of the intense patriotism which ani-
mated them. James M. Cook, then about
fifty-five years of age, not able to go to the
front, under this call for volunteers gave
$500 to the enlistment committee to be used
in the same manner, and with a pledge that
he would provide for the families of the vol-
unteers; and Hon. Isaiah Blood duplicated
the act of Mr. Cook. Doubtless there were
other instances of like character. Those
mentioned came under the personal notice of
the writer.

WANTED TO GO WITH HIS BOYS.

Alexander Morrison, Wallace Morrison,
Edward Morrison, and Ira B. Morrison,
brothers, enlisted and went to the front. The
father, Ira Morrison, Sr., upwards of fifty
years of age, wanted to share the glory with
his boys, and one day walked to Schenectady,
fifteen miles, and asked to be enrolled as a
volunteer. The recruiting officer inquired as
to his age, and asked Morrison if he had any
sons in the army. When the old man replied
that he had five boys down in Virginia, the
officer with some emotion, said kindly : "I
think you have done your share. I can't en-
list you at your age." Greatly disappointed,
Mr. Morrison returned to his home in this
village.

A soldier's welcome.

When the news came that brave "Steve"
Horton had been wounded in battle, and
would be sent home on furlough, a crowd
gathered at the railroad station to greet him
on his arrival. As the train rolled into town
the "old trophy gim" boomed out a welcome.
A carriage was awaiting just south of the
track on Bath street, from which the horses

had been unhitched, and a long rope attached.
With continued cheers for the returned hero,
fifty or more men and boys drew him to. his
home on High street.

A soldier's burial.

The first burial of a soldier in the village
cemetery will never be forgotten. His name
is gone from our memory, but the scene re-
mains. It was at the close of the day when
the body reached the cemetery, accompanied
by a military escort detailed from Albany for
the sad duty. In presence of a numerous
company the funeral service was read, and
just as the sun was disappearing in the west-
ern sky, a volley from the muskets of the
funeral squad flashed over the grave, taps
sounded, and the soldier was left to peace-
fully slumber until the "reveille" of the last
great day shall sound.

P.\TRI0TIC WOMEN.

The army hospitals were constantly in need
of bandages and lint, and many were the
times that the patriotic women of the village,
young and old, gathered in the great parlor
of the Sans Souci and spent the day picking
lint and rolling bandages, which were for-
warded to the army through the department
at Albany. From one of these gatherings
the ladies sent to the army hospitals three
large boxes containing 400 bandages, 500
compresses, pillows, sheets, soap, towels,
slippers, handkerchiefs, pins, nine large boxes
of fine lint, grape wine, currant wine, port
wine, old Maderia wine, Otard brandy, pre-
served fruits, jellies, and other delicacies.

HE GOT mad.

John Harlow came home one day, and the
stalwart giant, for such he was in very truth,
carried an empty sleeve, and was so emaciated
that his friends did not at first sight recognize
him. Seated on a barrel in the store of
Samuel Gould, where he was employed as
clerk at the time he enlisted, he told us this
story: "I was wounded at the battle of Mal-
vern Hill. A minie ball entered my arm at
the elbow and came out at the shoulder, shat-
tering the bone into small pieces, and terribly
lacerating my arm. While lying on the field
unconscious, I was overlooked by the am-
bulance corps. I lay on the field for four
days with nothing but hard tack to eat and the

156

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP BALLSTON SPA

water in my canteen to drink. When I re-
alized that I had been deserted, I got so mad
that I made up my mind I would not lie there
and die. I got to my feet, I hardly know how,
and supporting my mangled arm with my
right hand, I marched twelve miles to the
Union camp. On arriving I fell unconscious,
and knew nothing until I woke up in the hos-
pital, with my left arm taken off at the
shoulder." Mr. Harlow from this time until
the close of the war, had charge of the re-
cruiting tent on Low street, just west of where
the soldiers' monument now stands. About
fifteen years ago he was appointed one of the
Treasury watch at Washington, and for some
ten years was chief of the watch. He died
in Washington about four years ago.

BEAUREGARD WHIPPED.

Reference is made in the centennial ode
to one "Beauregard," which recalls another
incident. Captain Horton was seated on the
piazza of the Village Hotel, with his crutches
by his side, nearly recovered from a severe
wound in the thigh. "Beauregard," thus
named for his sympathy with the South, pass-
ing by and seeing young Horton, remarked :
"I would like to see Arnold Harris, Doctor
Moore, Jim Cook and Jim Horton strung up,
and would like to have hold of the rope."
Hardly were the words out of his mouth be-
fore "Steve" reached him, hopping on one
crutch. A powerful blow laid Osgood, which
was "Beauregard's" proper name, sprawling
in the gutter, Horton saying, "I can thrash
any man, even on crutches, who makes such
a villainous remark." We boys, several in
number stood by, ready to join in the un-
equal fray, but Osgood crawled to his feet
and ran rapidly down Spring street and dis-
appeared.

A DANDY LIEUTEN.\NT.

Charlie Massey was about sixteen when he
enlisted. Of a happy temperament, a good
singer, and a jolly good fellow generally, he
was the life of the camp. One or two in-
stances of camp life told by "Charlie," are too
good to be lost. In the regiment was a natty
young lieutenant, very much of a martinet,
and thoroughly disliked by the men. Charlie
was on picket duty one cold night, and by
mutual agreement with a "Johnnie" just be-
yond, lighted a fire to keep warm. This was

against orders, and the lieutenant discovered
Charlie seated by his fire, and placed him un-
der arrest. Some time later Massey was
again on picket duty on a rather dark night,
and on the watch for the lieutenant. He had
stationed himself in the road at the edge of a
large and deep mud puddle, through which
the officer must ride to reach the picket post.
The lieutenant approached, and Massey halted
him in the centre of the puddle with "Who
goes there?" The answer came promptly:
"Lieutenant \" "Dismount, ad-
vance, and give the countersign," commanded
Massey. The lieutenant protested stoutly,
but the ominous clicking of the lock of
Charlie's gun caused him to hurriedly dis-
mount, and wading through the slimy mud,
which reached above his top boots, he meekly
gave the required countersign. Charley was
arrested next day, but on hearing the stories
of the officer and the soldier, the Colonel com-
plimented Massey on the proper discharge
of his duty, much to the chagrin of the lieu-
tenant.

"there's A TIME TO L.WGHj AND "

One day in camp Charlie saw a private of
his company, with a heavy log on his shoulder,
marching round and round in a circle, while
an officer stood near by. It was the first time
Massey had seen this punishment inflicted.
He watched the proceeding a moment, and
then burst out in hearty laughter. The offi-
cer said to him, "What are you laughing at?"
Charlie, convulsed with laughter, could only
point to the weary plodder. "You think it's
funny, do you," said the officer, "suppose you
try it for a while." The log was shifted to
Charlie's shoulder, and well sobered by this
time, he began his tiresome march, while his
comrade sat by and enjoyed his discomfiture.
Massey said it was tough, but it taught him
a very salutary lesson.

IN andersgnville.

The horrors of Andersonville prison were
experienced for several months by seven
Ballston boys ; Alexander Morrison, Joe Cro-
mack, Martin Lee, "Yankee" Inman, Andrew
Brewer, Ira Tripp, and Edward Morrison.
Ed. Morrison did not discover that his
brother Alexander, and "Matt" Lee were in
the prison for several weeks. They were

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

157

transferred to Florence, South Carolina, where
the conditions were even worse than at An-
dersonville. Alexander Morrison tells the
following incident which took place during
the presidential election in 1864: The rebels
in charge of the prison were anxious for Mc-
Clellan's election over Lincoln, and to test
the sentiment of the Union soldiers, and thus
form some estimate as to the result, they had
the soldiers vote, using black and white beans,
the black counting for Lincoln, and the white
for McClellan. The rebels let it be known
that if the majority was for McClellan an
extra day's rations would be given to the sol-
diers. The evident desire on the part of the
rebels to see McClellan win, aroused an in-
tense feeling and hundreds who said they had
always voted the Democratic ticket marched
up and deposited in the bag a black bean for
Lincoln. McClellan was defeated three to
one, much to the chagrin of the rebels.

A FIGHTING CHAPLAIN.

Rev. p. Franklin Jones, for two years pas-
tor of the Baptist Church, just after the war,
was a chaplain in the army. He was living
in West Troy at the time he entered the
service. His regiment reported to General
Wool at Fortress Monroe. The home of the
General was in Troy, and Chaplain Jones and
he were warm friends. Calling to pay his
respects to his friend and superior officer, the
Chaplain was greeted thus : "Chaplain, what
are you doing with that sword and those pis-
tols?" for Jones was fully armed and equipped
with sword and two large Colt's revolvers,
which had been presented to him. Without
giving opportunity for reply, the General con-
tinued, with a suspicious twinkle in his eyes,
"I understand you preachers are down here
to look after the spiritual welfare of the army,
and to preach peace. How is it that I see
you fully armed for the fight?" Chaplain
Jones answered spiritedly: "I am not here
to preach peace, but to assert that this is a
righteous war, and that it is every man's duty
to make sure that these rebels are soundly
whipped, and I propose to do my share of the
business. No skulking in the rear with the
ambulances for me. Where the thickest of
the fight is, there you'll always find me." The
white haired old veteran laughed heartily at
the sharp retort, and slapping Chaplain

Jones smartly on the shoulder, said : "I knew
it, Jones, you couldn't do otherwise if you
would." And after the first battle in which
Chaplain Jones took part, the boys named
him "the fighting chaplain."

Many people in Ballston used to wonder
why Pastor Jones wore his hair hanging down
almost to his shoulders, and in such a tum-
bled fashion. With General Hooker, in the
mountains of West Virginia, ' on a winter's
day, wearied with hard marching, and with
a cold rain falling, they halted for the night,
and Chaplain Jones, with hundreds of others,
dropped on the damp ground and was instantly
sound asleep. His head, from which his hat
had fallen, was pressed against a fallen tree,
and when he awoke his hair and scalp were
frozen to the log. It was with difficulty he
was released, and ever after his scalp was so
sensitive that it was positive torture to touch
his hair.

A NOBLE WAR HORSE.

Acting as aide on his General's staff during
a sharp engagement. Chaplain Jones was sent
to ascertain what some Union troops were
doing so far in advance on their right. Rid-
ing on his mission up a rise of ground toward 4
the woods in which the troops were to be
seen, he discovered when close upon them
that they were rebels. He was ordered to
surrender, but wheeled his horse and dashed
down the hill with bullets flying thick around
him. At the foot of the hill was a wide ditch
which his gallant steed bravely leaped, but
the opposite bank gave way, and sliding back-
ward the Chaplain fell into the ditch, and was
safe for the moment. His faithful horse did
not desert him. Scrambling to his feet on
the farther side of the ditch, the noble animal
faced the enemy, and fairly snorted out his
defiance. Chaplain Jones, amid a storm of
bullets, sprang from the ditch, leaped to his
saddle, and was soon beyond the reach of the
rebel fire. He reported to his General, the
flanking rebel troops were soon dislodged
from their position, and their army in full re-
treat. The "fighting chaplain" was especially
commended for bravery in action, in the offi-
cial report of the engagement. The chaplain's
sword belt was nearly severed by a bullet,
one spur was shot away, and his hat showed
two bullet holes, but his person did not

158

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

receive a scratch. His horse was wounded in
the shoulder, and had one ear shot through.

A VILLAGE IN MOURNING.

When the fateful news of the assassination
of President Lincoln reached Ballston Spa, a
deep gloom spread over the entire community.
Faces paled as the great calamity which had
befallen the nation came to be realized. Bus-
iness was 'suspended, and groups of men
gathered here and there in the streets of the
village, with grief-stricken faces, wondering
what further disaster was to fall. And then
the emblems of mourning began to appear.
The flags were drooping at half-mast, and at
mid-day a black pall seemed to have fallen
on the village. The public buildings, the
churches, the stores and private residences
were heavily draped in black, until not a yard
of black cloth could be found in town that
was not in use as a symbol of mourning over
the irreparable loss the country had sustained.
Not before or since has such a scene been
witnessed. It was in striking contrast to the
brilliant garb the village wore at the recent
Centennial. The dark picture will linger in
the memory as long as life shall last.

The war record of Ballston Spa and this
immediate locality is a record of lofty patriot-
ism, heroic achievement, and intense love of
country. This chapter of local history can
have no more fitting conclusion than an ac-
count of the dedication of the Soldiers' Mon-
ument fn June, if

The dedication exercises were held at two
o'clock, and opened with the singing of Kel-
ler's American Hymn by the Ballston Musical
Association ; thirty-seven little girls, attired in
national colors sang the "Star Spangled Ban-

BALLSTON'S MONUMENT DAY.

The soldiers' monument was dedicated
June i6, 1888. Great preparations had been
made for the event, and thousands were pres-
ent throughout the day. Public buildings,
stores, and residences throughout the village
were gaily decorated.

The grand parade, one of the largest ever
witnessed in Ballston Spa, was led by Bor-
ing's Band, of Troy, and the Saratoga Citi-
zens' Corps. There were four other Bands
in line, and two drum corps of eighteen men
each. The Troy Citizens' Corps, with one
hundred men ; thirteen Grand Army Posts ;
six fire companies ; several societies, and a
long line of carriages were in the procession.

Soldiers' Monument.

ner," followed by the introductory address of
Hon. William J. Parkinson, and the oration by
General Daniel Butterfield. The dedication
poem by Fred Emerson Brooks, of San Fran-
cisco, was read by Mr. John Person.

THE DEDICATION.

Hon. William J. Parkinson was chairman
of the dedication exercises in the afternoon.
He made an eloquent address, saying, in part :

"Comrades and Fellow Citizens: Twenty-seven
years ago a young man, then a clerk in one of the

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

159

stores of this village, enlisted as a soldier in the
army of the Union. Twenty-six years ago Wil-
liam B. Horton — son of the man who for forty
years was Clerk of this county, and whose memory
is now cherished by all the people, James W. Hor-
ton— wrote to that honored father that the young
clerk, by the time the letter he (Horton) was then
writing, would probably be no more, as he had just
visited his bedside in one of our hospitals, and he
was then supposed to be dying. Comrade Horton
received what proved to be his death wound at
Malvern Hill, and for years, as on last Decoration
Day, his was among the honored graves lovingly
decorated by the tender hands of you, his comrades
in arms. Through a kind Providence the clerk-
soldier did not die, but now has the pleasure of
standing before you in the person of your speaker.
Such incidents as these culled from the personal
experience of myself, as well as that of others, is
what makes the present hour and these services of
special interest to not only me but to others, who,
as soldiers, are now assembled in this place to
honor the occasion and themselves by their presence
here. * * * The purpose of erecting some suit-
able memorial to the brave men from this section
who participated in the late war has been in the
minds of the soldiers in our midst ever since their
return from the seat of war, and several attempts
to this end have been made, but always without suc-
cess until about two years ago, when it was re-
solved by the veterans of McKittrick Post, of this
village, to bring the matter more prominently be-
fore the public and push it to completion. * * *
The monument is here ; and as we look upon it all
may see that it is indeed a 'thing of beauty,' as we
hope it may be a source of patriotic joy forever,'
to the generations yet to come."

THE ORATOR.

In introducing General Butterfield, Mr.
Parkinson paid a glowing tribute to the dis-
tinguished soldier. He said :

"And now. gentlemen and comrades, I come to
what is to me one of the chief pleasures of this oc-
casion. Arriving at Hall's Hill, Virginia, in the
fall of '6i, with my regiment, the 44th New York
'Ellsworth Avengers,' we were at once brigaded
under the command of the gentleman who is the
orator of this eventful day, and now with us. For
a time I don't think I ever hated a man more in
my life than I did this distinguished gentleman; he
drilled us so unmercifully, as we then thought. It
was double quick from morning until night, and
sometimes at midnight, to see how well we could
do it. If all the balls which the boys vowed would
go through him in our first engagement had done
so, he would have been riddled worse than any
coal sieve you ever saw, and I don't think he would
be here to-day. But he never was afraid of balls.
And when we realized his worthy purpose in thus
drilling or disciplining his men, which we did not
fully until the enemy had been met, and upon the
field beheld, amid those exciting scenes, that his

usually stern countenance was wreathed in smiles,
as dashing up and down the line amid the leaden
hail, with waving sword, he would cry, 'Come on
boys ; give them a Roland for their Oliver !' then,
amid the red hot shot of the gory field, we became
acquainted with our leader, and strong hatred was
turned to stronger love, and from that hour to this
the life scarce of a single member of that regiment
would not be so dear but its owner would gladly
yield it for the honor of the man so loved by his
men of the blue. General Daniel Butterfield. But
of his worth to the nation in that struggle let 'fight-
ing Joe Hooker' reply, for he who honors us this
day as our speaker was the man at the helm as
chief of staff, when Hooker's loyal legions climbed
the rugged steeps of Lookout Mountain, and there
fought the 'battle amid the clouds,' driving Bragg
and his forces in confusion from their seemingly
impregnable position on the crest of that famous
mountain top. Leaving New York as Colonel of the
I2th Regiment, New York Volunteers, he was soon
advanced to the command of a brigade, then a di-
vision, then a corps, and at last stood chief of staff
of the Army of the Potomac, having in that event-
ful struggle for the nation's life, participated in
twenty-eight general engagements, was wounded
twice, and in that great and decisive battle of the
war, Gettysburg, stood as counsel and guide to Gen-
eral Meade, there commanding our forces, thus
crowning his record as a soldier with a halo of
patriotic glory that makes his name inunortal. This
distinguished soldier, courteous gentleman, and loyal
citizen. General Daniel Butterfield of New York,
I now have the pleasure of introducing to you."

General Butterfield's oration was a masterly

effort. We copy that portion of his address
in which he referred to this locality. The
General said:

THE ORATION.

"In rude or classic form, monuments or statues
have marked spots of historic interest for uncounted
ages, the world over; and in our own country, mon-
uments and statues perpetuate the memory of our
illustrious dead, arising as well to adorn public parks
and squares, as to show the gratitude of a patriotic
people."

Allusion was then made to many of the monu-
ments of antiquity, and of later times. Continuing,
the speaker said : "Let us come to our own, and
the purpose for which we are here assembled. Ap-
proached with thought, surrounded by memories and
reflections, its purpose reaches far beyond words.
Nothing we may say can add to its value to pos-
terity. Eloquence, rhetoric and recital may, like
the labor of the skilled workman, which gives polish
to the diamond, show more clearly its value and
its heauty. The worth is in the gem itself. The
deeds, the efforts, the patriotism commemorated by
the monument we dedicate to-day, with all its halo
and entourage of bravery, unselfishness, love of
country, and true honor, is the pure gem to which

160

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

we may try to add by word and thought, whatever
best we can, to enhance its lustre and increase its
clearness, brilliancy, and exemplary and historic
worth. • ♦ * * Broken arches and ruined ram-
parts are always eloquent and suggestive of valiant
deeds, even where their special teachings are not
comprehended ; but manifold greater are the im-
pressions which they make when the patriotism we
adore has hallowed them. Recalling the speech of
Napoleon in front of the pyramids, may we not
point to this proud list of heroes, whose names
our monument bears, and say to the sons and
daughters of Milton, of Ballston, and of Malta',
read there the glory of your homes, the honor of
your fathers, for what they fought, for what they
suffered, for what they died, the heritage is yours.
From their crown of glory they look down to you,
their descendants, proud of your remembrance and
your gratitude, confident of your devotion, your
fidelity, your loyalty and honor. By this token you
have shown it.

THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION.

"There stands your record — Major Fuller — Captain
Evans — Captain Benedict — Captain Palmer, with
their gallant comrades, twenty in all, your quota of
the heroes who fought with stubborn will, and en-
countered disasters, privations, hunger and thirst,
weariness of body and soul, but reaped the glories
of the Revolution, which founded our Republic. In
their grand fight for the independence of the na-
tion, their valor and courage wrested the Colonies
from the British throne. We need not tell the story
of the battles of the Revolution. The memories of
Bunker Hill, Trenton, Valley Forge, Lexington,
Yorktown, Monmouth, of Bemis Heights and Sar-
atoga, (the Marathon of America,) one of the fif-
teen decisive battles of the world, crowd upon us.
The air is filled with them.

1812.

"On the 20th of June, 1812, the youngest nation
of the world, to protect the Independence won by
the heroes of the Revolution, threw down the
gauntlet boldly and with self-reliance against one
of the proudest, richest and most powerful of na-
tions, England, which had insolently continued to
search our ships and did not respect our maritime
rights.

"Again this community responds — Major Good-
rich, Captains Westcot and Beach, with their com-
rades thirty-eight in all, that are known and re-
corded. Of these and among them were many who
were descended from heroes of the same family who
served in the war of the Revolution. We shall
speak of them again.

MEXICO.

"A neighboring State proclaims its independence
and desires to join the Union, and we become in-
volved in another war. — the Mexican war. Right
proudly and promptly do your towns respond. The
army is small — few are needed — ^but bravely they

come. The heroes of Ballston, Milton and Malta
march forth among the brave men that bore the
stars and stripes in triumph from the Rio Grande
across the pampas, cactus and sand plains to the
City of Mexico and the heights of Chapultepec.
They wrote the battles of Buena Vista, Palo Alto,
Cerro Gordo, Vera Cruz, Churubusco and the City
of Mexico upon the escutcheon of the Nation's
honor, and added to our national wealth and
strength not only the empire of Texas as a State,
but the golden gate of San Francisco and the beau-
tiful territories of the Pacific coast.

WAR OF THE REBELLION.

"And now we come to the brave men who went
forth to endure the hardships of battle between the
opposing forces which had been in conflict from the
birth of the Nation — the conflict between Freedom
and Slavery— ^the attempt to destroy the Nation and
thereby perpetuate and extend this accursed crime.
What brave acts and heroic deeds, patient endur-
ance, steadfast patriotism, matchless courage and
glorious deaths of those of whom we now come to
speak. From the workshop, from the field, from
the store, from the college, from the cloister, from
the farm, and from every walk of life, came forth
willing, loyal hosts, bent upon preserving the in-
tegrity of the Union and saving it from destruction.

"Let us recount for the student in after years the
story that he will find written all over this land :
that the brave descendants of the heroes of Sara-
toga and Monmouth rather chose to die than that
the victories of the Revolution should be lost, and
the Government and Nation that they made and up-
held by force of arms, should be torn asunder by
Slavery's treason.

"The 77th New York Regiment, with its fifty-three
skirmishes, engagements and battles ; two hundred
and seventy-three killed, wounded and missing, has
with its record part of yours.

"The iisth New York, with its thirty-one skir-
mishes, engagements and battles, and three hun-
dred killed, wounded and missing, has with its re-
cord also a part of yours. In these two commands
seventy died in the enemy's hands.

"The 4th and 13th Artillery also have part of
your records, with their aggregate of thirty odd en-
gagements and battles, and in the two regiments
six hundred casualties.

"Were I to attempt to recite the bravery and
gallant deeds of every one of these, the setting of
the sun would come before justice and a fair re-
sume was completed. ******

"During the war of the Revolution Stephen Ful-
ler was one of you, and his descendant, George Ful-
ler, of the 77th New York, proved himself worthy
of the renown of his ancestors in the Revolution.

"John Whitehead, another Revolutionary hero,
was the father of Oliver Whitehead, who went forth
to the Mexican war.

"The children of Sanbun Ford, a Revolutionary
hero, are found in the war of 1812. Again the pa-
triotic blood breaks out in their descendant, John
B. Ford, of the 4th Heavy Artillery.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

161

"The brave Salisburys who served in the war of
the Revolution, transmitted their patriotic blood to
Horace T. Salisbury, who served in the 13th New
York Heavy Artillery in our last war.

"William J. Jennings, of the 115th New York,
and Thomas Jennings of the Second Cavalry, re-
newed the patriotic blood of their ancestor, Jesse
Jennings, a hero of the Revolution.

"The Clarks and Woods who served in the Rev-
olutionary war each sent a host of descendants into
the 115th and the 77th New York. Captain Beriah
Palmer, from your town in the Revolutionary war,
sends a grandson to the Mexican war, and another
descendant to the Civil war. The family of Luthers,
one brother to the war of 1812, and one brother to
the Mexican war. The grandfathers, fathers, sons,
grandsons in the Revolutionary war, the war of
1812, the Mexican war and the last war, increasing
in numbers as time rolls on, in the family of Irish.
Irish by name, they are your neighbors and people,
and if we credit all the fighting qualities ascribed
the race, they may well be Irish by nature. In the
war of 1812 we find., John Story, his sons and de-
scendants represented in the Mexican war and in
the last war. The Thompsons of the 115th
and 77th New York had fighting ancestors in
the Mexican war. Cornelius Schermerhorn, of
the war of 1812, sends down patriotic blood
to James Schermerhorn, who goes forth to the Mex-
ican war, only three of his company coming home,
and his descendants again are in the last war. In
the rolls of the 77th we find the Quackenbush family
descended from the Quackenbushes who went forth
from this locality to the war of 1812. A. C. Dun-
ning, of the 115th New York upholds the reputa-
tion of his father, E. Dunning, in the war of 1812.
The brothers Harlow in the 44th and iisth New
York, write their names proudly under that of
their grandfather, A. C. Harlow, who fought in
the war of 1812.

"The Smiths of the war of 1812 find their sons
and descendants in the Mexican war and in the last
war. The Beach brothers, of the war of 1812, send
their descendant, Capt. Beach of the 77th New York,
to the last war. And so we find the Burnhams, the
Lees, the Armstrongs, the Seamans. the Weeds, the
Thompsons, the Palmers, the Millers, the Storys
and the Luthers, represented in two wars, some of
them in three. Here in your historic town, attend-
ing your famous law school, lived Col. Slocum, who
fell at the head of his regiment at Bull Run. The
many eminent and noted graduates of that famous
school, familiar with your shady walks and pure
air will read with pleasure the record of your
work in placing this shaft, and will recall memories
of honored citizens like Rev. Dr. Babcock, the emi-
nent divine and scholar, Eli Barnum, Joel Lee, James
W. Horton ; Senators Geo. G. Scott and Isaiah
Blood; James D. Warren, of Buffalo, George W.
Chapman, and others. What a galaxy of proud,
worthy statesmen and citizens who have gone from
your midst, and yet there are more, succeeded and
followed by your living and renowned sons, like
West, L'Amoreaux, Gilmour, Moore, Thompson,

Grose, Medbery, Parkinson, and a host of others,
whose hands are visible in this most worthy and
glorious work. There are victories of peace as well
as war, and there your noble sons have crowned
you with them.

"We could rejoice if there were with us to-day
that graceful orator and speaker, that noble and re-
nowned son of Ballston — whom many within the
sound of my voice will remember^when the village
was ablaze with patriotic fervor, the white tents here
all around the place where we now stand, the re-
cruits coming in — memories of the silver-tongued
speech and devotion of James M. Cook, 'to the
citizen soldier' Hoat back to us like a dream. May
we not believe that he looks down with pride and
satisfaction on your work. Oh, that he could speak
to us of the virtues and the memories of your
brave sons.

"I may be pardoned if I speak here, to the ex-
clusion of others of two names on that monument
who served in one of my favorite regiments, under
my immediate command. A father and his three
sons, all the men of the family, go forth to the last
war. One of the sons who served with me, returns
to you to be the inspiration of this beautiful mon-
ument. Honor to your worthy chairman, who has
honored himself in this work. An aide of the com-
manding General asked for a volunteer on a most
dangerous and perilous duty. A young man stepped
to the front, so young looking as to cause the in-
quiry if he knew the dangerous service and the risk.
Proudly he replied, 'I understand myself;' and
bravely he performed the task. In the terrible bat-
tle of Malvern Hill, in the magnificent charge we
made, he was severely wounded in the leg. Placed
by the side of a tree, they left a canteen of water
with him. He placed the canteen by his side and
commenced firing and continued to fire until the
surgeons came and decided it necessary to cut off
his leg. 'There are rebel bullets in that leg; I will
keep it for more of 'em, or die with it,' said the
brave fellow, and he died, another hero on your list,
Guy C. Delong, of the 44th New York."

General Butterfield then spoke at some
length of the Grand Army of the Republic,
alUiding in eloquent terms to the principles
of the order, "fraternity, Hberty, loyalty."
He concluded his splendid oration with these
words :

"To-day, as in the past, we renew our vows, and
while our neighboring Slate of Connecticut unveils
her noble tribute of an equestrian statue to her
grand old hero. General Putnam, we here and now
consecrate this monument to our patriots of Balls-
ton, and Milton, and Malta, who loved that flag and
all it represents as we do.

'When Freedom, from her mountain height,

Unfurled her standard to the air.
She tore the azure robes of night.
And set the stars of glory there.
She mingled with its gorgeous dyes
The milky baldric of the skies.

162

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

With streakings of the morning light ;
Then from his mansion in the sun
She called her eagle bearer down.
And gave into his mighty hand
The Symbol of her chosen land.'
"Honor and glory ever to that flag. Prosperity
and success to the country it represents, and bless-
ings on the good people of those towns who honor
patriotic devotion by this graceful tribute to those
who upheld the flag and the nation."

THE POEM.

The poem for the occasion was written by
Fred Emerson Brooks, of San Francisco'.
Mr. Brooks was unable to be present, and the
poem was read by Mr. John Person.

On Saratoga's classic sod,
Where Liberty the gift of God.
Came down among those patriots old,
Her starry banner to unfold.
Remarking in a quiet way,
"This flag and I have come to stay !"
Is just the spot in all the land,
A granite monument should stand,
In honor of heroic men.
Who, in a hundred years from then.
Must button up their coats of blue,
And die to make her saying true.

I'nveil the shaft ! and stand aside,
For yonder, see, with stately stride.
Sweet Goddess, mindful of her own.
Comes Liberty to kiss the stone.
We hail thee Ballston, "first in war!"
Thou art the shrine of "G. A. R."
Because, the first to lead their ranks,
The first to earn the Nation's thanks.
The first upon the altar laid,
To lead that countless dead brigade
Up into glory through the grave
Was Ellsworth, bravest of the brave !

Before that Alexandrian inn
He quite forgets his discipline;
But where's discretion when one sees
A lawless banner in the breeze
That has no right in freedom's air — •
No right to flutter anywhere?
His soul with indignation burns
While to his regiment he turns —
"Halt!" there they stand transfixed as stone;
And mounting to the roof alone.
Before the eyes of all the town.
He tears that cursed banner down ;
And drags it down the tavern stairs
Where death is lurking unawares ;
Fate leaps from out a traitor's gun
And marks him hero number one.

He seems to say beneath his breath.
This flag and I go down to death.
I drench it in a crimson flood —
Baptize its downfall in my blood.

We sometimes hear with great surprise,
"His was a useless sacrifice!"
Will some historian pray tell —
When that belov'd young hero fell,
When that first drop of blood was spilled —
How many million pulses thrilled?

'Twas then our eagle soaring high.
Went screaming through the murky sky :

"Arise, ye freemen ! Rise ye must !
Shall freedom's banner trail the dust?
Shall treason's banner take its place.
To flaunt in fair Columbia's face?"

'Twas then the nation took alarm :

The plowman left his untilled farm ;

The apron by the anvil dropt ;

The grist went home — the mill-wheel stopt.

The judge to southward turned his face

Declaring he'd decide their case;

The creditor was filled with grief —

The lawyer was a bit too brief,

He signed the roll — all stood aghast —

His hand was legible at last'.

While some who couldn't write the name

Just made their mark, 'twas all the same.

The tailor's off, nor cares a whit
How sadly his new trousers fit ;
The fighting parson drops his text.
He'd be a missionary next —
.\h that some rebel should abridge
His usefulness at iVIission Ridge.

Fond mother, check the welling eye
And save those tears for by-and-by !
Your boy has gone, he looks so neat.
His knapsack holds an e.xtra sheet :
His comrades laughingly ask its use —
"Brave soldiers need no flag of truce."
"This mother-gift I'll keep," he says,
"Perchance 'twill do for bandages."

And so they went the country o'er.
While thousands followed thousands more;
The brightest, bravest and the best —
And how they fought— you know the rest !
Did all return? I've heard folks say
Some wandered off the other way.

'Tis fitting you should raise on high
A shaft to him the first to die !
And it would tell enough of fame
In bearing none but Ellsworth's name! —
And yet the seven hundred men
Whose names are here, full well yc ken
Were soldiers just as brave as he
And gave for others' liberty •
Their own ; died to release the slave
And back to fair Columbia gave
Her land redeemed from deep to deep.
All save the spot wherein they sleep —
For that she only holds in trust —
Where valor lies 'tis sacred dust.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

163

Though mother earth take all the rest
Who fall asleep upon her breast,
To none gives she such honored room
As those who fill a soldier's tomb!
While Freedom with her white arms bare
Holds up this segis high in air:
"/ live because ye mould not yield
Dead heroes of the battle Held!"

Here, gazing on this granite pile
And musing of the dead the while,
Methinks I hear some alien say : — ■
"You've laid the blue beneath the gray!"*
Irreverent stranger say not so !
This granite shaft I'd have you know
But pays a tribute justly due:
The gray perpetuates the blue.
In looking for the Nation's dead,
Pray turn your eyes just overhead
They are not here beneath this sod
But yonder with the Nation's God —
The blue is still above the gray —
Their souls went up the Milky Way,
That starry high-road through the ev'n
Whose farther gate swings into Heaven.
Their banner hides them from our view.
Whose sunset red, and white, and blue
Now ilutters from their last redoubt
With not a single star plucked out.

Could you this temple veil divide,
Could you but pull the folds aside
Of that great banner God unfurled
And gaze beyond this curtained world.
You'd see your comrades on the march
Pass 'neath their grand triumphal arch
Of rainbow glory — hear the cry —
Death was our grandest victory!
But since you cannot see the gate.
Why, blessed comrades, you must wait.

As Sol creeps up the eastern sky
To gild the name upon this die,
Glory shall read each name aloud — •
From high above the highest cloud
Some angel voice most sweetly clear
Will to the roll call answer — Here !

THOSE WHO FOUGHT.

To make a complete roll of the men who
enlisted in the War of the Rebellion, from the
village of Ballston Spa, and the adjoining
towns of Milton, Ballston and Malta is a dif-
ficult, if not an impossible task. No local rec-
ord was made at the time of enlistment, and
the published records of the State, while
very complete, give only the place of enlist-
ment, and not the home of the volunteer. The
roll of veterans made for the soldiers' monu-

*Referring to the blue coats beneath the gray
granite.

nient added many names to the record pre-
viously published in Mr. Sylvester's history,
and the personal acquaintance of the author
with many of the volunteers, assisted by sur-
vivors of the war living in the towns men-
tioned, makes the following roll of volunteers,
with the locality from which they enlisted,
undoubtedly as nearly correct as will ever be
obtainable :

BALLSTON SPA.

Adna Abbs, Jr.
William Abbs
Braman Ayers
Braman Ayers, Jr.
Andrew J. Armstrong

George S. Batcheller
William G. Ball
Return J. Burnham
Henry W. Burnham
Jay Burnham
William H. Boice
Isaac C. Boice
James L. Boocock
David Bourst
Andrew Brower
William Barrett
Thomas Brady
Andrew Butler
George Bolton

Thomas Craig
William Craig
George Cruise
Charles Cruise
Isaac Couse
William J. Chilson
James Conlon
Chester P. Cornell

Henry C. Delong
John Duckett
Joseph Dallas
James Dunk
Andrew J. Dubois
Henry C. Dye
Levi Demore

Christopher Emperor
John Emperor
James Emperor
John T. Eldridge
Nathan Eldridge
Warren Earls
Patrick English
John Ellsworth

Christian Frear
John S. Fuller
Schuyler Freeman

Stephen Farrell
David Frisbie, Jr.
George F. Foster
Collins Foster
Charles H. Foster
Robert Fox
John B. Ford
James G. Ferris

Elkanah Gildersleve
George T. Graham
Sylvester Gould
George R. Goodwin
Dudley Goodwin
James K. Gillespie
James Groom
John Gibbons
E. Goddard
Charles Gurnsey

Stephen S. Horton
William B. Horton
Clement C. Hill
Noble P. Hammond
Alanson F, Hatch
Otis Holbrook
Amasa A. Holbrook
John H. Hovey
Stephen Harris
Thomas Harris
Rowland Harris
Frederick Hope
John R. Harlow
George M. Hoyt
Edwin C. Hoyt
Dallas M. Hoyt
Charles W. Howard
John Howard
Andrew Hassett
Joshua Heritage
AVilliam H. Hewitt, Jr.

James E. Irish
Chauncey B. Irish
Luther C. Irish
George W. Ingalls
Edwin R. Ingalls

William J. Jennings
William H. Johnson

164

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Robert Birch Kelly
Hugh Kelly
Stephen Keyes

George W. Luffman
William Luffman
Moses Laque
Louis Laque
Moses Lewis
Joseph Lewis
George B. Lawrence
Martin Lee
Samuel C. LaRue
Louis Lane
Henry Lowry
William H. Link
George LeQear
E. Lehman
Merrills Lansing
Joseph Laque
T. Luffman

William H. McKittrick
Frederick S. Mosher
Alexander Morrison
Wallace Morrison
Edward Morrison
Ira B. Morrison
Samuel Massey
Charles Massey
James C. Milliman
Alexander Mcintosh
Wallace Mcintosh
Thomas Mainhood
George McCarg
George Millham
Albert McLane
John Mitchell
John T. Mosher
Horace J. Medbery
James E. Mabb
demons Morris
Patrick McGarr
John Mosher
James McNab
Ralph E. Mead
James B. McLean
David D. Miller

Henry O'Neil
John O'Neil
Thomas Osborn
John O'Brien

Edward Parkinson
Edward C. Parkinson
William J. Parkinson
George H. Parkinson
Melvin H: Potter
Asahel W. Potter
Robert Porter
Isaac Porter
James Pitts
George C. Parks
James W. Parks
A. Peret

James E. Reid
Albert J. Reid
John Reid
Earl Rider
Edward Rogers

William H. Sherman
Hiram P. Sherman
Hiram R. Sweet
Hiram Sweet
William Seism
Charles Searles
Benjamin T. Simon
Lafayette Schermerhorn
Paul Settle, Jr.
Philip Schaeffer
Michael H. Smith
Frederick Smith
Richard Spicer
Thomas Spicer
John T. Spicer
Arnold Spicer
Frank Spicer
Edwin Spicer
Martin V. Sheffer
Charles H. Sullivan
John P. Staples
George Snow
David E. Sears

Rev. David Tully
Gideon A. Tripp
Ephraim J. Tripp
Ira Tripp
Flavius A. Titus
James D. Thompson
Miletus S. Taft
George W. Trumble

Jas. B. Van Steenburgh
S. R. Van Steenburgh
Geo. L. Van Steenburgh
Jno. H. Van Steenburgh
Asa Van Dyke
George Van Dyke
Henry Vickerage

James E. Webster
Daniel Webster
George Webster
Joseph S. Wayne
P. Piatt Williams
Horace Weaver
James M. Wood
."Monzo M. Weatherwax
Albert A. Weatherwax
William Weatherwax
At wood Wilber
Datus E. Wilber
Samuel H. Weldon
Lee Whalen

Rush H. Young
Harvey Young
Waldo Young

TOWN OF MILTON.

William Arnold
Arnold T. Ayers
Charles Andrews
Wm. H. Alexander
James Ashman
Christian Arnold

Daniel E. Bortell
William Bortell
James Bortell
William Bartell
Thomas C. Black
William A. Baker
George Bolton
Nathan Brown
Henry Brower
James W. Bacon
Daniel Bacon
Case Ballou
Edwin Bobenreath
Alexander J. Beach
George Bowers
C. M. Burbey
Milo E. Burbey
Stephen R. Blackmer
Louis Bertrand
Frank Brown
Charles Bennett
Nathan Brower
Andrew Benton

Joseph Cromack
Sidney O. Cromack
William Campbell
Qark Collins
Charles P. Cornell
Eugene N. Cornell
George H. Curren
S. J. Cutbush
Patrick Cannon
Mark Cochran
James W. Cole
James Cuyler
Jared L. Crouch
John Crouch
Charles M. Carter
Nathaniel Clark
Michael Cochran

Robert N. Delong
Guy C. Delong
Egbert W. Davis
Stephen Davis
Truman Deuel
Joseph R. Day
Benjamin H. Day
Timothy Driscoll
Abel B. Dye
Wesley J. Date
Thomas P. Davis

Edward Estabrook
Leonard Englehart
Alfred Eighmy, Jr.
William Eastham

Andrew J. Freeman
William H. Freeman
Herman C. Fowler
A. M. Fitzgerald
James V. Fogg
Samuel Farnsworth
Cyrus M. Fay
George Fuller

Patrick Goonan
Terrence Gregg
Gottfield Gleesettle
Frederick Gleesettle
David E. Goffe
Justus M. Gilson
John Geogehan
Warren J. Groesbeck
Harley Groesbeck
John Greer
J. Golden
Isaac Garrison

Alexander C. Holmes
George L. Hayes
Seymour Harris
Smith Harlow
Nicholas Hudson
Alva Hickok
James A. Hanna
Ozias Hewitt
Cornelius S. Huyck
Warren B. Huyck
William L. Hoyt
William Hall
Edward Hall
Martin Hunter
William L. Hyatt
John R. Harris
H. Hall

"Yankee" Inman

James Jermain
Benjamin J. Jones
Edward D. James

Frederick Keenholts
Christopher F. Keenholts
Oscar Kemp
Benjamin P. Knapp

William Lewis •

Jesse R. Lewis
H. C. Lockwood
Edwin L. Lockwood
Matthew Love
Francis Love
John S. Ladow
Barney C. Lee
Louis Lackley
John Lewthwaite
George C. Lowry
William J. Lowrey

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

165

Frederick Morehouse
Ferdinand Miller
Patrick Murray
E. Wilson Merriman
Bernard McGinnis
Alexander Mead
Andrew Miller
James H. Moore
Michael McWilliams
George W. Moore
Frank H. McCormick
George Marcellus

Leonard Osman
Elijah Olmstead
Frank Obree

Charles Pettit
Henry Packard
Alfred Picket
Anson J. Palmatier
Reuben Parkhurst
Charles A. Perry
Joseph Putnam
Seth W. Potter

Patrick D. Rooney
M. Relyea
W. Relyea

Elijah Sherman
Edward C. Slocum
Harris T. Slocum
John Southwart
Darius Shill

E. P. Shill
John G. Steinbauer
Tobias Salisbury
Horace J. Salisbury
Simeon Sill
Varnam Spencer
Patrick Shay
Patrick Sheehan
N. J. Schermerhorn
D. W. Schermerhorn
Legar Strong
J. W. Seaman
J. H. Simmons
N. Swan

Isaac Thorp
Benjamin Truman
Royal M. Tenney

Alonzo Vandenburgh

Albert L. Wood
George M. Wood
Norman Wood
James A. Wager
Jeremiah Wager
Eugene Werner
Isaac Warn
John Walls
John R. Wilbur
Loren Woodcock
Henry J. Webber
William Webb
Henry Warner
John Woodworth

TOWN OF BALLSTON.

Edward S. Armstrong
Thomas Andrews
Frazer Atkins
Henry Abbs

William G. Bradshaw
John H. Briggs
George H. Briggs
Abram G. Bradt
William Bradt
George H. Bradt
Thomas J. Bradt
John Barnhart
George W. Bigelow
Marcus S. Burrus

Frank Qark
Lewis Calkins
Hubert Curtis
Philip S. Christy

William Davis
Josiah Dean
M. Dean
Thomas H. Dorsey

George W. Gardner

Philip M. Hill
Frank Harris

Joseph F. Jones
D. K. Smith Jones

Ransom Knights
Michael Kildea
John Kildea
Otis King
John Kearnes
Alfred H. Kingsley

Truman M. Loveland
John Lanehart
Jacob L. Lansing
Levinus Lansing
John E. Lansing

Richard Millerd
Frederick Martin
William H. Mcintosh
Richard L. Mcintosh
Henry Mcintosh
Edward Middleton
John Morris
John S. McKnight

William R. Miller
Lyman E. Miller

Adam Niles
Samuel H. Neilson
Samuel Nelson
Robert E. Nelson

Peter Post

William H. Quivey
Aaron B. Quivey

Patrick Reidy

Horace L. Stiles
George E. Springer

John H. Shivis
Benjamin J. Severance
Charles Spiegel

Lewis Trites

William Wait
John J. Wood
Gilbert Warren
Jacob Wager
Norman F. Wicks
Edmund Williams
John H. Welch
George W. Welch
John Woodworth
W. Wager

TOWN OF MALTA.

Joseph C. Abeel
Hamilton Abeel
Titus D. Allen
Alonzo Allen
Charles D. Atkinson
Philip J. Austin
Charles Atkins

Chauncey L. Beebe

Benjamin H. Carr
Charles C. Clark
Alfred Cook

Charles S. Dunham
Albert Dunning
Eli F. Dunning
John B. Davis

George D. Fish

Erastus H. Harder
Warren Hill
Orrin Hill

William H. Kane

Abram Lent

William McCarty
Charles W. Miller
Abner Mosher
Beekraan R. Near

Edward G. Olmstead
G. Albert Ogden

Joseph Pairer
Archy Phillips

William H. Rose

George D. Story
Eugene Shears
John Stewart
Sidney Smith
William Selch
Peter Sickler
C. Simpson

Michael Van Horn
George W. Vail
Jas. H. Vanderwerken
Jacob H. Van Arnem
Wm. R. Van Arnem

William W. Worden
Elias Washburn

The following list comprises the names
of veterans whose names also appear on the
monument, with the places from which they
enlisted, so far as they can be ascertained.
A large number of this list resided in Balls-
ton Spa at the time the monument was
erected :

Charlton— Nathan H. Brovra. William Caw, Gar-
rett S. Grovesteen, William H. Hart, William H.
Jones, William H. Owens, Charles H. Palmer,
Charles W. Rowley, Henry A. Smith, Thomas
Stairs, Charles R. Severance, John Van Evera, Jas.
K. Wilson.

166

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Clifton Park— Warren Clapper, Albert Tones
Benjamin Weight Noxon.

Corinth — Francis E. Brower.

Day— Elijah C. Bennett, Ambrose B. Milliman.

Edinburgh— Loren H. Cole, David Jones.

Galway— Thomas Armer, Merritt B. Allen, Henry
Bolton, John J. Hunter, George Hughes, William
lompkms, Charles F. Wait.

Greenfield— William Clark, Zerah Cov, Allen S
Glenn, John T. Harris, Oliver Jones, William D
Jones, Lewis S. Jones, Henry F Jones, James E
Lyons, Cyrus Padelford, James S. Palmer, Mark R

M "^Tv.v'' B'="Ja"^'n B. Van Steenburgh, William
N. Williams.

Hadley— Charles Palmer.

Halfmoon- Isaac V. Irish, Hiram Richardson.

INIoreau- John Davis.

Northumberland-Henry J. Davis, David Galusha.

Providence— James C. Barber, Michael McWil-
hams, Terence McGovern, Francis Soule.

Saratoga— William Armstrong, Lyman Jones
George W. McCreedy, Warner Van Valkenburgh,'
Hamilton White.

Saratoga Springs— George S. Reno, William H
Hah, M. Kelly, J. A. Lee, J. Johnson, James Burke
John A. Brown, James Green, Harvey A. Jones
Peter Lyons, David McNeil, Daniel G. Wager'

Stillwater— John Williams, John W. Arnold'
Lucian Annable, Archibald Brown, William h'
Quackenbush, Tunis W. Quackenbush, Andrew
Sterrett, David A. Thompson, James Farrell.

Wilton— Walton W. French.

Albany— Peter Hogan.
Troy— John D. Rogers.
Utica— Amos J. Carter.
Syracuse — Thomas Jennings.
Poughkeepsie— Matthew Vassar.
Fort Ann— Charles M. Nicholson.
Illinois — John Hegeman.
Boston— Charles E. Fitcham.
Hartford, Ct.— Daniel A. Ayers.
Vermont— Darwin A. Forbes.
California— Abram Reynolds.

Place of enlistment not known— J. Butler W H
Barlow A. H. Bennett, W. Bell, I. Burke, H. Cole'
P. H Cary E. Cooper, D. S. Corbin, C. Cutler, J.
Douglas, J. H. Dubois, T. Dolan, C. Fink. W. Find-
lay, R. W. Graham, J. S. Gardner, B. E. Harrison,
H. Hannuni, D. B. HiUer, D. Howard, B. F. Hark-
ness, E. F. Holley, R. E. Harris. W. Jackson, E.
Kenyon A. V. H. Lansing, H. P. Lapham, P. Lager,
J. McUear, M. McCarty, B. R. Mabee, J. Mullaney
C. McLane, A. Nelson, M. Ostrander, N. Patchin
A. J. Powell, C. P. Pearson, W. S. Rooney, C A
Smitn, J. Shadwick, H. Selden, D. Selden, J Spad-
holts, P. Sanders, D. J. Sill, A. Straight, W W
Selden, D. B. Stringer, S. St. John, J. B. Tarbell, L
H. Van Decar, N. B. Weed, J. S. Weed, C. B Wil-
liams, W. H. Waldron, J. H. Williams, J. Warriner
C Weitz, C. Wortz, C. West, M. Weatherwax, J. J
Wright, V. West. ^

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

107

Historic Notes

FOR nearly a decade before the village
had a corporate existence, the his-
tory of this locality was being faith-
fully recorded from week to week
in the columns of the first newspaper in Sara-
toga County, published at Court House Hill
by Increase and William Child, pioneer edi-
tors of the country weekly newspaper in the
state of New York.

Copies of Ballston newspapers in the pos-
session of the author, going back to 1798,
three years prior to the incorporation of the
village, and completed files of the Journal since
1847, comprise a history of local events which
would fill several large volumes. From this
great mass of information we have selected
items of different periods relating to various
topics, which may give some impressions
of the village life through the years.
While some have been copied verbatim, many
i>f the items have been necessarily re-written
in condensed form for this work. Although
the name of the paper quoted does not, in
many instances, indicate the place of publica-
tion all the items are from papers published at
Court House Hill or in Ballston Spa.

The Saratoga Register, published at Court
House Hill, in its issue of August 22, 1798,
contained the following:

"Married. — On Sunday evening last, Mr. David
Maker, of Stillwater, to the amiable Miss Eliza
Sweet of Milton."

'■Communication. — Greenfield, Ai\g. 14, 1798. —
In the field of Elisha Carpenter, Esq., of this
town, were pulled this day a number of ears of
corn, completely filled out and fit for roasting,
which were planted on the 14th day of June, on a
piece of land which was never plowed, and the
said corn was never hoed."

In the same paper, issued June 6, 1808, we
find the following:

"Advertisement — Money is said to be the root
of all evil ; nevertheless the Post-riders are willing
to run the risk of receiving their dues from the
subscribers for the past two quarters."

The post-riders delivered the newspapers
in those days at the homes of subscribers.

Margaret Cornell, who had been advertised
by her husband as having "left his bed and
board," indignantly retorts :

"He should have showed that he had a bed, for
this is the first time I ever knew that he was the
owner of one. Indeed, I am now inclined to be-
lieve that he alludes to one of mine. He says I
have left his board. Now he never provided any
board except now and then a scanty meal of po-
tatoes. As for running him in debt he need have
no apprehension, as no one will trust him where
he is so unfortunate as to be known."

Even in those early days politicians did not
hesitate to misrepresent their opponents, a
practice which has come down to the present
time. Joshua Burnham wrote a private letter
in 1806 which fell into the hands of the oppo-
sition, who published it broadcast in a hand-
bill. The letter was also published in the
Saratoga Register as showing the methods
used by the Republicans to defeat their Fed-
eral opponents. Here is the letter :

"Lansingburg, April 23, 1806.
''Sir. — Mr. T has been up from Albany,

and says the county ticket nominated at Troy
must not be elected. At all events he says keep

F- • out if possible. You must therefore turn

out at the election all day. It won't cost much.
Eat your breakfast late and you can stand it till

the poll adjourns. Do all you can against F .

He is our mark. Tell the people that he makes
cards out of old Bibles and then carries them to
Claverack, and gets folks drunk, and then cheats
them. Tell them it is he that makes those awful
lights in the north. The ignorant Dutchmen will
believe it. Tell them everything published in the

handbills about F is true — stop — no, that won't

do. There are some of them that recommend him
that are really true. These you must say are all
lies. Lest you should be confounded, mind this
rule. Everything in his favor say it is a lie ; every-
thing against him sav it is true, and you can prove

it by D L . D is good at that you may

depend. In short tell them F has done every-
thing except shoot his daddy.

"Yours in haste,
"Mr. J V . "J B .'

168

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

The Saratoga Advertiser of September 23,
1806, contains the advertisement of Epenetus
White, Jun., & Co. They offer for sale dry
goods, groceries, wines and Hquors, hardware
and crockery, "and almost every otlier article
suitable for the country." Epenetus White
opened the second store in the village prior
to 1800.

The same paper has the following: "For
Sale — A healthy middle-aged negro wench

The announcement of a proposed banking
institution appeared in the Independent Amer-
ican of December 7, 1813, as follows:

"Notice is hereby given that a petition will be
presented to the Legislature of the State of New
York at the next session thereof, to incorporate the
names of the persons whose names are hereunder
written, and their associates, into a body corporate,
with a capital of five hundred thousand dollars, for
banking purposes, under the name of the 'Saratoga
Bank.' Signed — James Merrill, Epenetus White, Jr.,

C5.\NS SuUCI HOTEL I.V ISSO. ERECTED IN 1803. DEilOLISHED IN' l!iS7

and child. For particulars enquire of the
printer."

The paper has four pages of five columns
each, and ten columns are filled with adver-
tisements. There is not a single line of local
news, and the latest foreign news is dated July
24, and the news from New York Septem-
ber 13.

In the Independent American of Nov. 4,
1813, Moses Williams offers a reward of one
cent for the apprehension and return of an
apprentice to the shoe-making business.

In the same paper of Nov. 16, 1813, the
London news is dated Sept. 21. News from
Raleigh, N. C, Oct. 4, and New York, Nov.
4. This is in striking contrast to the present
day of ocean cables and the telegraph.

.\rchy Kasson, Amos Allcott, Hugh Hawkins, Nich-
olas Low, John K. Beekman, Joel Lee, William
Stilwell, William Sears, Michael Middlebrook, John
Bennett, William W. Morris, Reuben Westcot, Ziba
Taylor, Miles Beach, Ashbel H. Andrews. Dated
Ballston Spa, Nov. 26, 1813."

The bank was not established, and the vil-
lage had no bank until twenty-five years later.
The large capitalization of the proposed bank
is very noticeable, but not more so than the
amount of the capital stock of the Company
which erected the factory on Gordon creek,
in later years known as the oil 'cloth factory.
In the Independent American of December
21, 1813, the following advertisement ap-
peared :

"Notice is hereby given that the subscribers, on be-
half of themselves and their associates, incorporated

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

169

under the name of the 'Ballston Spa Company,' for
ihe purpose of carrying on the business of manu-
facturing woolen, cotton and linen goods, intend
to apply to the Legislature of the State of New
York, at their next session, for leave to extend the
capital stock of said Company to eight hundred
thousand dollars. Signed, Nicholas Low, Benjamin
Peck. Dec. i6, 1813."

It is quite evident that the men of early
times projected large business enterprises.

In its issue of May 17, 181 5, the Independ-
ent American has a notice that Friendship
Lodge, F. & A. M., will celebrate the anni-
versary of St. John the Baptist in Ballston
Spa, June 24. Rev. Joseph Perry to make
the address. Mr. Perry was the Rector of
Christ Qiurch, and in the possession of the
writer is a printed copy of an address by Mr.
Perry on a similar occasion in 1810.

The following notice also appears : "Royal
Arch Chapter will meet ist Monday in June,
at one p. m."

August 14, 1816, Samuel Smith announces
in this paper that he has removed his tailor
shop "two doors east of the Ballston Spa
book store, between those celebrated me-
chanics, Langworthy and Williams." Ijt is
not known whether the latter gentlemen
shared with Smith the cost of the notice.

The People's Watch Tower of May 13,
1818, says that "Galway Lodge, No. 267, of
Free and Accepted Masons, will celebrate
the festival of St. John the Baptist on June
24, 1818."

The Gazette of Dec. 9, 1823, contains the
advertisement of "Elias Baldwin, black and
zvhite smith."

In its issue of Dec. 13, 1825, the Gazette
has an editorial on the election of John W.
Taylor as Speaker of the House, and in Oct.
26, 1824, announces that Hon. John W. Tay-
lor will deliver the address at the sixth an-
nual exhibition of the Saratoga County Agri-
cultural Society.

The Gazette of December 16, 1823, con-
tained the following notice relating to a
banking institution for the village:

"The subscribers for themselves and associates,
hereby give notice that they intend to apply to the
Legislature of this State, to grant them a charter
for a Bank to be entitled The Saratoga County
Bank, with a capital of $50,000, to be located at
the village of Ballston Spa, with the restriction that
the stockholders' individual property shall be holden
for the redemption of its bills; to be enforced by

summary process. Ballston Spa, Dec. 8, 1823. Al-
pheus Goodrich, James Merrill, Harvey Loomis,
Epenetus White, Joel Lee, Isaac Rowland."

A visitor to Ballston Spa in 1823 gave ex-
pression to his sentiments in the following
rhyme :

"No more shall your youths and your maidens

Droop quickly and sink into the grave;
And middle-age father, and perish.

With nothing to help or to save;
The angel of death stands astounded.

All folded his raven black wings,
Disheartened, amazed and confounded

At the wonderful Ballston Springs."

Albany, Saratoga ^

BA£XS*FOIf S7A

Mail Post Coach

WlLLcofliinne to run ihe remein-
der of the fall.and winter seaeons
in the rolloving order, viz.

Leave Saratoga aod Biillstoa Spa eve-
rjr day— leaving Saratoga at 8 o'clocli.
and BalUtoD Spa at 9 o'clock. A. M.

Leave Albany ever/ day at 9 o'clock,
A. M.

For seats apply at J. Palmer's Moni-
gomety Hall, Saratoga, and at Kidd's
Mansion House. Ballston Spa, )n A)-
hany, at Rice <£ Baker's General Stage
Office, No. 526, South Market street, op-
posite the Eagle Tavern.

HARVEY LOOMES, Bailston Spa,

RICE & BARKER, Albanp,

PROPRIETORS.

Albany- October 1826 r

An Old Advertisement.

In the Gazette of June 27, 1837, the Troy,
Ballston and Saratoga railroad advertised
two trains each way every day, and one Sun-
day train.

Ballston Spa had a military organization
as early as 1848, the following call appearing
in the village papers in October of that year:
"Attention, Company ! Notice is hereby given
to the members of the 'Ballston Spa Citizens
Corps,' that they will meet at the drill room,
in George Thompson's building, on Thurs-
day evening of each week, at seven o'clock
precisely. John J. Lee, Secretary." Samuel

170

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

H. Cook was Captain, and George Babcock
drill master. The Company was composed
of the leading young men of the village.

The Journal of October 19, 1847, speaks
in poetic strain of the pretty "factory girls"
of sixty years ago:

THE BALLSTON GIRLS.

"Sweet Ballston girls," — said Ben one day.

While they were gaily spinning —
"Upon my honor I will say,

"You all are deuced winning."
"If I but had a fortune now
As ample as my will.
Not one of you, henceforth, I vow,
Should work within that mill."

"Ah !" — said a pretty blue-eyed miss,
A fair and rosy creature;
With lips that seemed but made to kiss.

And love in every feature —
"\\"itli such a will there are but few.

But easier said than done ;
Yet this I'd do, if I were you.
Begin to-day, with one."

At the close of the political campaigfn the
Journal s-iirred up the W'higs in its issue of
October 24, in this style, printed in bold type,
double column :

"Whigs of Saratoga rouse to action! Remember
that a full vote is a Whig victory. The enemy is
already in the field ; but we can't be whipped when
we all pull together. Two weeks from to-day the
battle ends. Whigs, are you ready for action?
Be active, be vigilant, and a glorious victory will
be your reward."

The ''tariff" was an issue in the political
campaign of 1848, and the Journal strongly
advocated a high protective tariff. In its
issue of October 31 we find the following:

"A Good Hit. — .A poem called the 'Devil's New
Walk,' in imitation of Coleridge's well-known lines,
just published in Boston, has the following stanza :
'He went into the mill where the wheels were still,

.•\nd the keys in the hands of the sheriff.
And he laughed to think how the operatives
All voted against the tariff.'

"This is true to the letter. \'ery matiy are so
wedded to party that they will cast their vote for
men who are in direct opposition to their own best
interests! Alas I how strange!"

In the month of September, 1849, John K.
Gough, "the young apostle of temperance,"
as he was called in the village papers, was in
the village for three days, at a temperance
meeting. He made several addresses to au-
diences that crowded the Baptist Church,
with its large galleries, to the doors.

The Journal of Jan. 9, 1849, states that a
proposition has been made to conduct the
Saratoga waters to New York City in glass
pipes, and that it was to be submitted to the
Legislature.

THE FORTV-XIXERS.

News of the discovery of gold in Califor-
nia in 1849 was not long in reaching Ballston
Spa. The Journal of February 6, 1849, says:

"Last week eight gold thirsty fellows left this
region for California ; their names are as follows :
George W. Lee, Seymour R. Chase, Joseph De
Forest, Nathaniel M. Clark and Callender Beecher
of this village ; Stephen Anson and John CoUamer
of Malta, and Stephen G. Rowland of Milton. All
of them are young men of enterprise, and we hope
they may realize all they anticipate in the way of
gathering the gold dust. Who will start next in
pursuit of the pot of money at the end of the rain-
bow we will not pretend to predict."

The trip in those days was across the great
plains of the west, and through the passes of
the Rocky Mountains in "prairie schooners,"
or by water to Panama, across the Isthmus
overland, and again by water to San Fran-
cisco. The Ballston party went by the water
route. Whether their thirst was quenched or
not, history does not disclose.

In these days of marvelous engineering
achievements, it is curious to read the follow-
ing from the Journal of October 7, 185 1 :

"The Hudson River Railroad. — This great enter-
prise is now completed. When first talked of, it
will be remembered, it was considered impracticable,
besides, if it could be completed at all, it was con-
sidered by many as a wild speculation, and would
only end in ruin, as far as capital was concerned, to
all engaged. Trains leave New York at 8 o'clock
and arrive in .'\lbany at 12.50."

In its issue of November 25, 1851, the
Journal said : "N. Reed Vandenburgh, while
working on a new wagon shop on Middle-
brook street, fell thirty feet with a scaffold
on which he was working, and was severely
injured, but is on the way to recovery." Mr.
\'andenburgh became the leading contractor
and builder in the village. January 4, 1892,
while employed as contractor in the erection
of the new Methodist Church, he met with a
similar accident to that which occurred forty-
one vears before, falling from a timber on
which ice had collected, to the cellar of the
church, a distance of about eight feet. He

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

171

died three days later as the result of his in-
juries.

September 21, 1852, the Journal published
in its column of poetry, which was a feature
of the weekly paper at that time, and for many
years after, the following:

"the old folks at home."

"The following is said to be the latest fash-
ionable negro melody, and is making a great
sensation. The author's name is unknown."
Then follow the three verses beginning —
"Way down upon the Suwanee river."

That part of the village north of the Blue
Mill has been known as "the north-end,"
"Brooklyn," and "north-side," but the Journal
of May 8, 1853, discloses a new name, and at
the same time compliments one of the citizens
in this manner: "No part of the village is
more prosperous than the north end, by some
called "Suttersville," over which our enter-
prising townsman, William W. Arnold, is the
Mayor. Three years since north of the Blue
Mill there was now and then a dwelling, but
since it has fallen into Mr. A's hands a small
village has sprung up at once." The signifi-
cance of the name "Suttersville" has passed
into oblivion.

The following appeared in the Journal of
March 21, 1854: "Mechanics' Association. —
We understand a meeting of mechanics of
our village has been held for the purpose of
taking preliminary steps for the formation of
an Association for their protection as it re-
gards the prices for labor." The Association
was formed, and was the first labor organiza-
tion in the village.

From the Journal of February 20, 1855:

"An attempt to Rob. — On Wednesday evening
last, as Isaac Fowler, Esq., cashier of the Ballston
Spa Bank, was about passing from the street into
his dwelling, (he lived over the Bank,) just re-
turned from Albany, where he had been making ex-
changes for the Bank, he was knocked down by
some ruffian who came up behind him, and an at-
tempt made to wrest the carpet bag from him,
which contained about $8,000 in bank bills, and
$7,000 in checks. The blow not being of sufficient
force to render the cashier entirely unconscious, he
cried out for assistance, whereupon the villain 'took
to his heels' and fled. It appears that the person
who attempted this robbery had an accomplice, who
was in wait for him with a horse and cutter upon
High street, which carried him beyond the corpor-
ate limits in a hurry. This was a bold undertaking.

and is a case well calculated to caution those who
carry much money with them. At any rate a Colt's
revolver is not very inconvenient to carry."

On the evening of June 28, 1855, "The
Flower Queen, or Coronation of the Rose," a
cantata by George F. Root, was produced
by the young people of the village, under the
direction of Mr. J. H. Colby, in the Court
House. The court room was crowded, and
the bright and pretty music was so admira-
bly rendered, that a general request was
made for its repetition, and the cantata was
repeated July 3. December 15, 1892, this
beautiful cantata was again given in the Sans
Souci opera house, under the direction of
Miss Mary Lee, who, as a young girl, took
part in the cantata in 1855. It was given
for the benefit of the Presbyterian Church.
The opera house was crowded to the doors,
and many were unable to gain admission.
So does history repeat itself.

An editorial in the Ballston Democrat of
January 26, 1855, asks this pertinent ques-
tion in its headline : "Is there a Democratic
party?"

We presume that two weeks later Mr.
Seymour Chase, the editor of the Democrat
had lost all interest in the matter for the time
being, this notice appearing in the Democrat
of February 16:

"Married — In this village on the 5th inst., by Rev.
L. W. Hayhurst, Seymour Chase to Julia Matteson,
both of this village.

And may the Chase in whose embrace

She is now so fondly locked.
Preserve her form from adverse storm,
And ne'er in pi be knocked. Devil."

A few months later Mr. Chase returned
vigorously to the political question. Hear him
in the issue of the Democrat of July 13, in
the same year:

"Democrats ! to the stump ! Let us have a stump
campaign and stump nominations this fall. It is
time conventions were done with ; and let the
people in their aggregate capacity, nominate their
own candidates. A mass nominating convention
will be the thing. It is time the pettifoggers were
'crushed out' — it is time somebody besides party
hacks placed candidates before the people. Let the
word bo — 'Good men, and Stump Nominations'."

The same paper of June 22, 1855, says:
"The McMaster house, one of the relics of
Ballston's former renown as a watering place
was destroyed by fire yesterday."

172

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

The following is a fac simile of the State
ticket used at the general election in Saratoga
county in 1855. It was printed at the Jour-
nal office. Compared with the present blanket
ballot, it is a curiosity, and is entitled to pres-
ervation as a matter of political history:

STATE.

For Governor,

Myron H. Clark.

For Lieutenant Governor^

Henrj' J. Raymond.

For Canal Commissioner,

Henry Fitzhugh.

For Inspector of State Prisons,

Philip H. McOmber.

For Representative in Congress,

James M. Andrews.

For County Clerk,

Latham Coffin.

For County Treasurer,

Orville D. Vaughn.

For Superintendent of the Poor,

Abraham Middlebrook.

For Justice of Sessions,

Ezra Westcott.

The local news was frequently given in
unique and racy style. The following is from
the Democrat of July 27, 1855 :

"ballston m.'Mne iac items."

"Dennis Geoghegan was found as 'drunk as new
rum,' or 'tight as a drum,' or as 'cocked as an old
musket,' or 'three sheets in the wind,' or 'how
come you so?' or 'stewed,' or 'pickled,' or 'oblivi-
ous,' or 'saturated with rye,' or 'infused with the
anti-Maine law sentiment;' it matters not which
term be used, for he was thoroughly drunk, from
cranium to boots, — drunk inside and outside, and
all over drunk. Consequently he was nabbed, taken
before the justice, and sent up to Prof. McOmber's
to thaw out, where he spent Monday night. On
Tuesday he was fined $10, which was finally paid,
and Dennis went on his way rejoicing, promising
never again to try a hand-to-hand fight with King
Alcohol.

"John McMann was found slightly elevated by
Constable Ford, and nabbed and taken before Justice
Brown. .\s the law does not define specifically the
point where sobriety leaves off and drunkenness
commences, and as the said John was able to stand
up, he was discharged by the Justice; but, as we
understand, had the 'revel out,' and spent the night

in the Village Pound, where he was 'caged' by
some mischievous boys."

The Democrat took umbrage at the action
of the Baptists, and in its issue of July 11,
1856, said:

"The Saratoga Baptist Association traveled out
of its legitimate duties in the resolution which it
adopted on political subjects at Burnt Hills. We
have an idea that it had better pass resolutions that
Paul was a loafer and member of the 'slave
oligarchy,' and not an apostle of Christ, because he
delivered up the slave Onesimus to his master
Philemon. This political meddling of the church
in politics has no good tendency."

The resolutions referred to were opposed
to slavery, advocated the repeal of the fugi-
tive slave law, condemned the brutal assault
upon Senator Charles Sumner of Massachu-
setts, in the Senate Chamber at Washington,
by Senator Brooks of South Carolina, on May
22d of that year, opposed the extension of
slavery into the free states and territories, and
closed by saying: "All men friendly to the
interests of freedom and good government
are called upon by all they hold dear and
sacred, to unite their strength at the ballot
box for the maintenance of the rights of con-
science and of free speech." Similar reso-
lutions were adopted at the Baptist Associa-
tional meetings in 1854 and 1855, but doubt-
less escaped the argus eyes of the Democrat.
The resolutions in each instance were pre-
sented by Rev. H. L. Grose, then pastor of
the Baptist Church at Galway village, who
a few years later, became the editor of the
Ballston Journal, and often measured editorial
swords with Mr. Chase, of the Democrat.

The Journal of January 10, i860, said :
"Mr. John C. Booth will lecture at Waverly
Hall in this village on Thursday evening,
January 12, on "The life and exploits of Joe
Bettys," the noted Tory and spy of Ballston.
The lecture was the account as written for
Mr. Booth's history. This story of Joe
Bettys, the only complete account of his life
ever written is given elsewhere in this history.
The "Sons of Malta" was a secret order
that existed throughout the country for a few
years. The editor of the Journal was not
favorably impressed with the society, and
said in the issue of January 12, i860: "We
understand that an organization of the Sons
of Malta is about being perfected in this vil-
lage. The institution is a 'purely benevolent'

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

173

one, and therefore has no 'majority' ambi-
tion. Those who value their character should
read the article of the Troy Times on that in-
stitution, before joining." The order held its
meetings in the Armory for two or three
years, when it ceased to exist.

In 1863 the price of news paper went to 25
cents per pound. The Journal was compelled
to reduce its size, and advance its price. The
Journal establishment bought tons of old
paper and books, paying eight cents a pound.
This stock was sold to the paper mills for
from ten to twelve cents.

In February, 1873, a very successful musi-
cal convention, continuing for one week, was
held in the Baptist Church, with Prof. L. O.
Emerson, of Boston, as conductor. There
was a chorus of one hundred voices, and at
the two public concerts Mrs. B. F. Baker,
Miss Isabel Lee, Prof. T. C. Bunyan and Mr.
Poindexter were the soloists.

A few years later a musical convention was
held in the Baptist Church, with Prof. Wil-
liam F. Sherwin as conductor. There was
a large chorus, and at one of the concerts
"Concone's Mass in B Flat" was rendered.
The quartet on this occasion were Miss Isabel
Lee, Mrs. E. F. Grose, Mr. H. F. Cary and
Mr. E. F. Grose.

The finest musical event in the history of
the village were the two concerts of the Balls-
ton Musical Association in the Methodist
Church in May 29 and 30, 1888, under the
direction of Prof. J. E. Van Olinda, of Troy.
The soloists were Miss Louise Baldwin, of
Boston, Miss Jeannie Lyman and Mr. Thomas
Impett, of Troy, and Miss Hattie Holley, of
Troy, accompanist. Blaisdell's orchestra of
Boston, and the chorus of 125 voices com-
pleted the array of talent. Neils W. Gade's
cantata, "Psyche," was magnificently rendered
by soloists, chorus and orchestra, to an en-
thusiastic audience which filled the large
church.

THE ASIATIC CHOLERA.

This terrible scourge of the Eastern coun-
tries made its first appearance on the Ameri-
can continent at Quebec, in the early summer
of 1832. At Montreal its ravages were ap-
palling, and the epidemic soon appeared in
Plattsburg and Whitehall. This occasioned
great alarm at Ballston Spa and also at Sara-

toga Springs, and the season was probably
the pKXirest either village ever experienced.
Active measures were immediately taken
in this village to protect it from the awful
disease. A public meeting of the Trustees was
held at the Court House June 22nd, 1832, at
which the following preamble and resolutions
were adopted and ordinance passed:

"Whereas, That dreadful scourge of mankind
called spasmodic cholera, which has raged for some
years upon the Eastern continent, and ravaged
some of the fairest portions of the earth, spreading
terror, destruction and death wherever it goes, has
at length reached our shores, and is now raging
at Quebec, Montreal and other Canadian towns
and villages, having been brought over to this coun-
try by emigrants from Ireland, thousands of whom
are now swarming through the Canadas, and some
strolling off through the United States, carrying
with them that awful pestilence and spreading it
far and wide throughout the land.

"And whereas. It is satisfactorily established that
the disease is of a contagious nature ; that quaran-
tine regulations are useful to prevent its introduc-
tion, and that the utmost cleanliness in our dwell-
ings, our yards, our shops and our streets and alleys,
as well as our persons, and temperance in our
habits are useful in checking the malignity and
progress of the pestilence, by securing the human
system against a predisposition to the disease.

"Therefore, be it ordained that P. H. McOmber,
Rowland A. Wright, Dr. Samuel Freeman and Dr.
Eliphalet St. John be a board of health for the
village, to confer with the board of health at Sara-
toga Springs, and they are hereby authorized to
adopt and enforce such measures as they shall think
proper to secure our village from the introduction
and spread of the dreaded pestilence."

A Vigilance Committee of fifteen was also
appointed which had authority to enter all
places in the village at any time for examin-
ation, and it was their duty to examine all
buildings, cellars, yards, streets, alleys, drains,
and vaults daily, and to compel them to be
kept clean and pure; to examine all foreign-
ers and persons from infected places that en-
tered the village, and to order their removal
from the village. The members of the com-
mittee were Moses Williams, Harvey Loomis,
James M. Cook, Samuel S. Spear, Hiram
Middlebrook, Andrew Watrous, Archibald
Speir, Dr. E. St. John, Aaron R. Pattison,
Dr. Samuel Freeman, Joseph Jennings,
Jonathan S. Beach and Abraham T. Davis.

So thoroughly did the boards of health and
the vigilance committees perform their duties,
that although the scourge was appalling in
fatal results in Albany, New York and else-

174

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

where throughout the land, not a single case
occurred in this village, or in Saratoga
Springs.

"old trophy gun."

The village is in possession of an old cannon
captured from Burgoyne at the battle of
Bemis Heights, which through the years is
frequently mentioned in accounts of Fourth
of July celebrations and other public observ-
ances, as "the old trophy gun." Later on the
irreverent youth of the village gave the old
cannon the euphonious title — "Old Betsy" —
a name which has chmg to it to the present
day. It has been dismantled for many years,
but should be properly mounted and given a
permanent resting place at the base of the
soldiers" monument on Low street. Civic
pride should accomplish this result at an early
day.

Early in the war of 1812, Elder Elisha P.
Langworthy, Joel Lee, Judge Thompson,
Sanbun Ford, Joshua B. .\ldridge and others
contributed to a fund to purchase a cannon
to celebrate the American victories. Elder
Langworthy went to Albany, and on making
his errand known, the State authorities made
a gift to the village of the "trophy gim."
Elder Langworthy used so much of the fund
as was necessary, to have the gun properly
mounted, and to purchase a plentiful supply
of ammunition. When the gun was ready,
"Elder Langworthy drove his own team to
Albany and brought the 'trophy gun' through
the forest to Ballston. The welkin resounded
with its loud boom last Independence Day.
The gun is used to herald the news from the
war, and is heard for miles around, bringing
the people from all directions to hear the
news, and Elder Langworthy is one of the
foremost to assist upon such occasions."

AN OLD BELL.

The Albany Journal of June 3. 1893,
speaking of an old bell brought from Holland
in 163s and hung in the belfry of the old
"Stadt Huys" on the northeast comer of
Broadway and Hudson avenue, said :

"For nearly one hundred and sixty years it was
rung on all public occasions, and to summon legis-
lators, lawyers and judges to their duties in the
rooms below, .^fter the old State House was de-
molished the bell was placed in the cupola of the

new capitol, where it hung for many years. At last
it was taken down. What became of it is somewhat
uncertain ; it is believed that it hangs in one of
the churches at Ballston Spa."

A Ballston correspondent of The Sara-
togian writing to that paper under date of
June 9, quotes the article mentioned above,
(which had appeared a few days before),
and says :

"This old relic referred to is now in the belfry
of the Episcopal chapel on High street, opposite
Church avenue. The bell was brought from Albany
and placed in the Episcopal church at Ballston
Center the last of last century. A new church was
built in Ballston and the bell was removed here.
Later a church was built near the corner of Court
and Front streets, and here the old bell did service
for many years. A new Episcopal church was built
corner of High street and Church avenue, and for
several years this old bell called the people to wor-
ship. A few years ago a larger bell was purchased
and placed in the belfry of the new Episcopal church,
and the old bell brought from Holland in 1635 now
calls the children together for their Sabbath school
exercises each Sunday in the Episcopal chapel op-
posite the church on High street. Ever now and
then the history of the old relics of the State ter-
minated in our beautiful village."

A very pretty piece of sentiment, but his-
toric truthfulness compels us to state that it
is entirely incorrect, although it has been ac-
cepted as a fact by some residents of the vil-
lage. The old bell which now hangs in the
tower of the Episcopal Chapel was presented
to Christ Church of Ballston Spa by the old
Dutch Reformed Church of Albany, after the
church at Ballston Centre had been taken
down and re-erected on Front street in this
village. The bell was made in 1774 for the
German Church in Albany. What has be-
come of "the old bell brought from Holland
in 1635" we know not; we only know that it
has never hung in the belfry of any church
in Ballston Spa.

MME. ALBA N I.

Miss Emma Lajeunesse, who, as Madame
Albani, became one of the world's greatest
singers in grand opera, assisted by her sister
Cornelia, gave a concert in old Waverly Hall
on the evening of November ig, 1863. The
Journal spoke very highly of the beautiful
voice of the young girl, then in her fourteenth
year, and prophesied a great career in the
musical world for the young singer. Miss
Lajeunesse, with her sister and father were

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

175

at this time residing in Saratoga Springs,
and for several evenings had been singing at
a CathoHc fair in St. Mary's Church in this
viUage. Her singing was received with so
much favor, that Mr. Lajeunesse announced
a concert in W'averly Hall. It was the first
appearance of Miss Lajeunesse on the con-
cert stage, and she was enthusiasticallx'
greeted by an audience which filled the hall.
It was the first pu])lic success of one who in
later years was to delight all Europe, as well
as all America with her marvelous voice.

Mr. Lajeunesse was a musician of consid-
erable aliility, but in very moderate financial
circumstances. In conversation with the
writer he expressed his deep regret at his in-
ability to give to his daughter the musical ad-
vantages which her talent deserved, saying :
"My daughter Emma has a most beautiful
voice, and some day, in the grand opera, she
will be famous in this country, and in France,
and all over Europe, if she can have the
chance."

Soon after the concert in this village, Miss
lajeunesse was heard in Albany, which re-
sulted in a wealthy lady of the capital city
sending her to Europe for a musical educa-
tion. Her first appearance in Europe, in
grand opera, some three years later, was a
great triumph, which was repeated time and
again for many years on both sides of the
water. She assumed the name "Albani," in
honor of the Albany lady who gave her "the
chance." A year or two before his death,
Mr. Lajeunesse, the proud father of the great
singer, said that he should always remember
the kindness of the good people of Ballston,
and that "my daughter Emma Albani will
always be grateful for the encouragement
she received at her first concert."

ployed to take people to their homes. When
the Blue Mill dam was built in 1830, it was
predicted that on account of its great height
it would not withstand the force of the water,
and during the hours of this freshet, with the
water a foot in depth pouring over the dam,
a very general fear prevailed that the dam
would go out, entailing an enormous loss of
property. But Hiram Middlebrook built the
dam strong and true, and it bravely withstood
the mad rush of the waters, and stands to-day,
after three-quarters of a century, apparently
as strong as when built. The old Blue Mill
bridge on Milton avenue, about fifty feet be-
low the dam, and the longest and largest
single stone-arch bridge in the county, was
undermined and badly damaged, a portion
of the south abutment being carried aw-ay,
taking with it a lad of eleven years, Clarence
Edwin Foster, of Bloodville. His body was
recovered a day or two later on the meadows
a mile east of the village. The property loss
exceeded $ico,ooo. In repairing the dam-
ages, the stone bridge and the two wooden
bridges over Gordon creek were replaced with
iron bridges, at a considerably higher grade.
Since that time no serious flood has been ex-
perienced in the village.

In February, 1896, twenty-six years later,
a period of remarkably warm weather, for
that season of the year, raised the water in the
Kayaderosseras to a very unusual height,
breaking up the heavy ice, which came down
the stream, carrying awa)- bridges and dams,
and destroying property to the value of $125,-
000. The mills in the village were damaged
to some extent, and portions of the two dams
of the lower Blue Mill pond went out. the
property loss in the village amounting to
about $10,000.

THE GREAT FRESHET.

The greatest freshet in the history of the
village occurred October 4, 1869. The
Kayaderosseras and Gordon creek rose to
great height, the Red Mill dam and the
Hawkins d.am went out, the bridge over Gor-
don creek at Bath street was swept down
the stream, and lodging against the bridge
on Milton avenue, a dam soon formed,
flooding all the lower part of the village. Mil-
ton avenue, on "the flats," was more than two
feet under water, and row boats were em-

THE OLD WELL.

An amusing story is told in connection with
the old well on Court House Hill, which in
early days was in the south-east corner of the
court yard. David R. Harlow was entertain-
ing a friend at his home, a rod or two distant
from the well. A heavy snow had fallen, and
the drifts were unusually deep. Harlow said
to his friend, "that drift out yonder," pointing
in the direction . of the well, which was en-
tirely snowed under, "is thirty feet deep."
His friend questioned the statement, and a

176

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

wager of five dollars was made. Harlow told
his nephew, "Lou" Harlow, to get some poles
and measure the drift. "Lou" got three long
poles, lashed two of them together, and tak-
ing his position directly over the well, pro-
ceeded to push the pole through the drifted
snow. Down, down the pole went, (into the
old well), and it became neccessary to attach
the third pole. As the pole continued to de-
scend, the astonished visitor called out, "You
win the money \" and the stakes were paid

The water of the lake was so cold and pure
it was called by the Indians "sweet water."

THE MOURNING KILL.

This stream runs through the town of Balls-
ton, and a short distance east of the village
of Ballston Spa, until it empties into the
Kayaderosseras. "Tradition speaks of a
severe battle between the Iroquois and Al-
gonquin tribes, at the headwaters of the
stream known as the 'Mourning Kill.' This

. .^■■; r^^^^pl^^- /

■■*^:-#^rP--

THE MOURNING KILL, EAST HIGH STREET.

over to Harlow. It was some weeks later
before Harlow's friend learned the joke that
had been perpetrated.

LEGEND OF BALLSTON LAKE.

"There is an Indian legend that this lake
was called by the dusky men of the woods
'neutral ground,' and warriors who had
sought by all the cunning that belongs to the
Indian race to take the life of their enemies, if
by chance they should meet upon the shores
of this lake, the calumet of peace was lighted,
and while they remained by its waters they
were friends. Thus like the Cities of Refuge
of olden time, the red men of the woods held
this lake in the same light."

name was applied by the early residents owing
to an annual custom kept up even so late as
1770. The adjacent Indians would assem-
ble on the ground of the old battle on the
anniversary of the event and celebrate mourn-
ing rites for those who had fallen in the fight.
Hence the name of the creek."

THE TWENTY-NINTH REGIMENT.

A history of Saratoga county, published
some ten years ago, in its account of the war
with Spain says, in referring to the organiza-
tion of the Saratoga Citizens Corps: "No
National Guard company existed in Saratoga
county previous to 1877." This is an error
which should be corrected. Early in the '50's

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

177

the 29th Regiment, New York State Militia,
was organized. There were ten companies,
of one hundred men each, all of them from
Saratoga county, with Regimental head-
quarters at the Armory in this village, which
was erected for the Regiment in 1858.

The annual "general training," which ex-
tended over three days, was quite an event in
this village. The regimental camp for many
years was on the Cooper lot, where St. Mary's
cemetery is now located, and later on the
plains, where the base ball grounds are at
present situated. The regiment was fully
equipped with tents, and all the paraphernalia
of war, and the regular army discipline and
drill was enforced.

The sunrise and sunset guns boomed out
over the valley every day; the soldiers were
seen on our streets, while the regimental and
company drills were watched with interest
by large crowds of civilians. The fascination
of brilliant uniforms and the glittering bay-
onets was strong to the Young America of
the town.

Thursday was the great day at "general
training," and on this day in i860. Major Gen-
eral John E. Wool, a veteran of the Mexican
war, was the inspecting officer. Again, in 1865.
Governor Reuben E. Fenton, with his full
military staff, gorgeous in uniform and dec-
orations, was present to review the "gallant
twenty-ninth."

The Ballston Cornet Band was the regi-
mental band, and it was well worth while
to hear Luther Irish roll out the reveille, the
retreat and the tattoo, at sunrise, at sunset,
and "lights out." Col. Calvin T. Peek was
in command of the regiment for many years,
and on his resignation in 1867, Adjutant John
D. Wait was made Colonel. Under a change
in the organization of the State Militia, the
regiment was disbanded in 1870. "No Na-
tional Guard company in Saratoga county
previous to 1877!" Read the foregoing, Mr.
Historian.

(

A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.

The Presidential campaign of i860 was
the most striking event in the political his-
tory of the village. Party spirit ran high,
and Democrats and Republicans vied each

to outdo the other in enthusiasm for Lincoln
or Douglas. The Republican "Wide-Awcikes"
numbered more than two hundred, and the
Democrat "Little Giants" were equally strong.
Public meetings were held very frequently, and
torch-light processions were of almost nightly
occurrence.

The Wide-Awakes wore black capes and
the Little Giants adopted yellow capes. Bails-
ton also had a company of "Rail-Splitters,"
composed of fifty boys of from twelve to fif-
teen years. They wore white waists, blue
caps and red sashes, and carried beetles over
their shoulders.

These political clubs visited many towns
in the county, and took part in mammoth
torch-light processions in Albany, Troy and
Schenectady.

The largest political procession ever seen
in Saratoga county was that which paraded
the streets of Ballston Spa on a beautiful
October evening about ten days before the
election. Republican "Wide-Awake" clubs
were present from Albany, Troy, Schenec-
tady, Mechanicville, Waterford, Stillwater,
Saratoga Springs, Fort Edward, Sandy Hill,
Glens Falls and Amsterdam.

Illuminations were numerous all over the
village, and as the great parade passed
through the streets, torches gleaming, bands
playing, and cheering all along the line, party
enthusiasm rose to its highest pitch.

A favorite marching formation was known
as "the rail fence." In single file the men
marched in a zig-zag line from one side of
the street to the other. Looking down Mil-
ton avenue on this occasion, the marching
host as far as the eye could reach formed one
long rail fence of gleaming torches. The
line reached from High street the entire
length of Milton avenue, through South street,
and far up Maple avenue in Bloodville.
Thirty-five hundred torches were in line, be-
sides officers and bands of music.

The largest meeting the Democrats ever held
in the village was on July 25, i860, to welcome
Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, one of the Demo-
cratic candidates for President, and the "Lit-
tle Giant" of the Northern Democracy. Sen-
ator Douglas was to speak in Saratoga
Springs, and promised to make a short speech
in Ballston on his way to Saratoga. When
the eminent Senator stepped upon the platform

178

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

in front of the Sans Souci, he was greeted
with great enthusiasm by several thousand
people. Senator Douglas was introduced by
Judge Scott, and began his speech by saying:
"I came not to make a political speech but to
see this pleasant town, and to visit the spot
where my grandfather erected his house
seventy years ago." He then spoke at some
length on questions of the hour, and in clos-
ing introduced his friend. Governor Foote,
to the cheering crowd.

The Senator, with some of his party, then
visited the house built by his grandfather,
Benajah Douglas, then a military school, and
from there was driven to Saratoga. This

was the only time Senator Douglas ever
stopped in Ballston. The statement that some
of his boyhood days were spent with his
grandfather here, is an error. His father
was also named Stephen Arnold Douglas, and
it was he who lived here, as a boy, with his
father.'

This was the second Presidential cam-
paign of the Republican party, organized in
1854, and the election of Abraham Lincoln
was hailed with supreme satisfaction by the
adherents of that party in Ballston Spa. That
the threat of the South to secede from the
Union would be carried out, was not, at the
time, considered possible.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

179

Celebrations

THE village of Ballston Spa, during
the one hundred years that are
past, has had many celebrations
commemorative of historic events.
An account of the more notable ones which
preceded the magnificent Centennial Celebra-
tion of the present year, is given in this
chapter.

SEMI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF AMERICAN
INDEPENDENCE.

The semi-centennial celebration of Ameri-
can Independence in Ballston Spa, on Tues-
day, July 4, 1826, surpassed in interest and
pageantry all the Fourth of July observances
in Saratoga county that preceded it, or have
followed it.

The day was ushered in by the national
salute from the "trophy gun" captured from
Burgoyne, and the ringing of the old bell
hanging in the steeple of Christ church,
(which was made for the old Dutch church
in Albany in 1774, and presented by that
church to Christ church in 1817), and the
other village bells.

The most prominent feature of the great
procession was a car forty-two feet long
and fourteen feet wide, named the Temple
of Industry. This was intended to represent
the industrial development of the country
during the first half century of the nation's
life. The car was drawn by thirteen yoke of
oxen, representing the thirteen original States,
each yoke in charge of a driver clad in a tow
frock, and all under the command of Jacob
Near, of Malta. Upon the car were thirteen
representatives of that number of branches of
the mechanical arts plying their vocations.
Among them were the printer striking off
semi-centennial odes, the blacksmith with his
anvil keeping time with the music, the cooper
making more noise than all the others, and
Mr. William Van Ness, who while the pro-
cession was moving, made a pair of shoes
for the president of the day, Hon. Samuel

Young, then Speaker of the Assembly, to
whom they were presented with an appro-
priate address and response.

Another interesting feature of the proces-
sion was a band of thirty-seven Revolution-
ary veterans, who kept step to the music in a
way that indicated they had not forgotten
their military discipline. Jeremiah Pierson,
a soldier of the Revolution, held aloft the
Stars and Stripes, Lemuel Wilcox another
Revolutionary veteran bore a, standard in-
scribed "Declaration of Independence," and
another veteran, John Whitehead, bore a
standard inscribed "Constitution of the United
States." Another attractive feature was the
corps of Union Cadets, composed of two fine-
looking and admirably drilled uniformed com-
panies from Union College, one commanded
by Captain Knox and the other by Captain
Jackson, the senior professor in that institu-
tion. The corps was under the command of
Major Holland, the registrar of the college
and a veteran of the war of 1812.

The procession moved through the princi-
pal streets amid the salvos from a brass six-
pounder captured from Burgoyne, to the
Baptist church, which stood at the corner of
Science and Galway streets, on the lot now
occupied by the railroad water-tank. Hon.
Samuel Young presided. Prayer was ofifered
by Rev. Eliphalet Nott, President of Union
College. The Declaration of Independence
was read by Anson Brown, a young lawyer
of the village, who died while Representative
in the Twenty-sixth Congress. The oration
was delivered by Hon. John W. Taylor, then
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
His closing remarks were addressed to the
Revolutionary soldiers, who arose in a body,
and the scene was quite dramatic. Mr. Tay-
lor said:

"Warsioks of the Revolution. — 'You are in the
midst of posterity.' You stand in our ranks the
honored survivors of a noble band. Thousands of
your companions have gone before you to receive
the patriot's reward. We recognize in you the

180

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

representatives of departed and of living heroes.
The shades of Montgomery and Mercer rise to our
view. Your memories supply the place of many a
long lost comrade. Suppress those tears. Your
silvered locks are crowned with a nation's bless-
ing. You we congratulate, on the manifold causes
of gratitude and joy which have passed before us.
To have contributed in your measure to their ac-
complishment is distinction enough to satisfy the
highest aspirations of a patriot's bosom. We re-
joice that your lives, and the life of him who
in glowing language stated our wrongs, and
framed that declaration of independence so man-
fully sustained by your youthful valor, have been
prolonged to see the glory of our country, and to
honor its Jubilee. Sanguine as were the hopes
which in early life marshaled your array, and
placed you in the front of the battle, no imagina-
tion could then conceive, no fancy dared then por-
tray, the national prosperity your eyes have wit-
nessed. Gathered as you must be, one by one, to
the great congregation of your companions in
arms, you will descend to the tomb sustained and
encouraged by these consolations — that though
man dies his country lives ; that your bodies, rest-
ing from their labors, will repose in a land of free-
dom ; and that j-our sufferings and achievements
will be held in remembrance by a grateful people,
until earthly distinctions shall be lost in the
brighter glory of celestial existence."

The Union Cadets dined at the Sans Souci
Hotel, and the toasts were at the Village
Hotel. Among the regular toasts were the
following: "John Adams, Thomas Jefferson
and Charles Carroll of Carrolton, the surviv-
ing signers of the Declaration of Independ-
ence. As the measure of their days, so is that
of their fame — overflowing." When this sen-
timent was uttered it was not known that
since the sun had risen on the morning of that
day two of those illustrious patriots had been
numbered with the dead, leaving Charles Car-
roll the sole survivor.

By previous arrangement the cadets marched
into the room, when the president of the day
addressed them in highly appropriate and
complimentary terms. Major Holland re-
sponded, reading from a manuscript in the
familiar handwriting of Dr. Nott:

"Gentlemen, — In behalf of the corps I have the
honor to command, permit me to tender their ac-
knowledgments for your polite attentions. If our
humble exertions to aid in the duties of the day
have met the approbation of the patriotic assem-
blage it is the highest gratification we can receive.
In retiring, permit me to propose as a toast: The
county of Saratoga — its hills, monuments of valor;
its springs, resorts of fashion ; its hamlets, sig-
nalized by patriots and statesmen."

Union College and its distinguished pres-

ident were complimented by two of the alumni
as follows : By Thomas Palmer, Esq. : "Union
College : Crevit, Crescit, Crescat." By Anson
Brown, Esq. : ".The president of Union Col-
lege : Dignum laude virum musa vetal mori."

If these sentiments were not duly appre-
ciated by all present, the following was ex-
pressed in such plain, unmistakable English,
that there was no doubt as to its meaning.
By Edward Watrous, Esq. : "The Legitimates
of Europe: May they be yoked, poked, and
hopped, cross-fettered, tied hand and foot,
and turned out to browse on the pine plains
of old Saratoga."

The committee of arrangements consisted
of James Merrill, David Cory, William Clark,
John Dix, Jerry Penfield, Charles Field, Alex-
ander Russell, Robert Bennett, Roswell
Herrick, David F. White, George W. Fish,
Hiram Middlebrook, Joseph Barker, David
Herrick, Sylvester Blood, Samuel R. Gar-
rett and Abraham Middlebrook. The general
manager of this superb celebration was Ly-
man B. Langworthy, then sheriff of the
county.

FOURTH OF JULY IN BALLSTON SP.\ AND SAR.\-
TOGA SPRINGS IN 184O.

The Fourth of July in 1840 was celebrated
by the Sunday Schools of this village and
Saratoga Springs uniting in an appropriate
observance of Independence Day. At ten
o'clock in the forenoon, the Baptist Presby-
terian, Methodist and Episcopal schools of
Saratoga Springs assembled at the Baptist
Church, where a procession was formed, and
they marched to the Presb}'terian Church,
where appropriate exercises were held. The
church was crowded, and many were unable
to gain admission. Prayer was made by Rev.
Joshua Fletcher, pastor of the Baptist Church ;
Gideon M. Davison read the Declaration of
Independence, and Rev. Albert Chester of
the Presbyterian Church delivered the ad-
dress.

The services at the church being concluded,
the procession re-formed, and marched to the
grounds of Chancellor Walworth, where the
schools from Ballston Spa, several himdred
in number, awaited them, having arrived by
train. Refreshments were served for the en-
tire company in the grove which surrounded
the residence of the chancellor.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

181

The schools of both villages then marched
to the railroad station, and were conveyed
to Ballston Spa in two special trains. Ar-
riving in Ballston the schools again formed
in line and marched to the Baptist Church at
the head of Front street, where they listened
to a very happy address by Rev. Norman Fox,
pastor of the Church. Rev. Daniel Stewart,
of the Presbyterian Church assisted in the
services.

The children then walked to the residence
of Mr. Stephen Smith, now the residence of
Hon. H. J. Donaldson, on Pleasant street,
where refreshments were again served, after
which the Saratoga schools returned home
by train, reaching Saratoga about five o'clock.

MONUMENT TO SOLDIERS OF MEXICAN WAR.

The first soldiers' monument in Ballston
Spa was erected in memory of the volunteers
from this village who lost their lives in the
war with Mexico, 1846-48. The monument
was dedicated on Wednesday, October 25,
1848, with appropriate ceremonies, a heavy
rain preventing the dedication on October 19,
the anniversary of the surrender of Burgoyne.

The procession formed in front of the
Village Hotel on Front street at one o'clock,
in the following order : Colonel Thomas Low,
Marshal; the Ballston Band; the Saratoga
Independent Artillery ; the returned veterans
of the war, William H. ]\IcKittrick, Seneca
Shepard, Nicholas Armstrong, Andrew Arm-
strong, Hiram Ford, Wilber Palmer, and
James Porter. Leading this file of war scarred
veterans was William McKittrick, bearing
aloft our country's banner, wreathed in mourn-
ing. Then followed relatives and friends of
the fallen heroes ; the village clergy ; Franklin
Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Kayaderosseras Lodge,
I. O. O. F. ; Eagle Fire Company, No. i ;
and a large number of citizens. The
procession marched to the shop of O. D.
Vaughn, and from there escorted the monu-
ment to the village cemetery, where it was
erected with simple ceremonies, the prayer
being offered by Rev. Norman Fox.

The monument is a white marble obelisk,
and beneath the slab was deposited a basin
hermetically sealed, containing the subscrip-
tion book with the signatures of all those who
aided in its erection, and a short biographical
sketch of each of the volunteers.

From the cemetery the procession returned

to the Court House, where an eloquent oration
was delivered by M. K. Booth, Esq., orator of
the day. The oration was a magnificent effort,
and the speaker was warmly congratulated.
There was also singing by the Ballston Spa
Glee Club.

The following are the inscriptions on the
monument :

"Erected by the citizens of Ballston Spa and
vicinity October 19, 1848." On the east side : "James
Schermerhorn of Co. F. gth Reg't, U. S. Infny.
Born at B. Spa July i, 1827. Died at Pachuca,
Mexico, March 9, 1848. Contreras, Churubusco,
Moline Del Rey, Chapultepec." West side: "Ran-
som B. Pettit, of Comp'y H, 2d Regt. N. Y. Volun-
teers. Born at B. Spa June 25, 1827. Died at
Puebla, Me.xico, Oct. 19, 1847. Vera Cruz, Cerro
Gordo." North side: Alvin Luther of Comp. A, ist
Regt. U. S. Art'y. Born at B. Spa June 4, 1810.
Died on the Rio Grande April 4, 1848." South side:
"Hiram Smith of Comp'y E, 3d Regt. U. S. Dra-
goons. Born at B. Spa Aug. 8, 1830. Died at
Perote. Mexico, Oct. 23, 1847."

GREAT TEMPERANCE CELEBRATION.

One of the greatest gatherings ever known
in the village was the temperance celebration
on Tuesday, August 21, 1849. Eight thou-
sand people were present. There was a
parade in the forenoon of Sons of Temper-
ance, Rechabites and Daughters of Temper-
ance. Col. Thomas Low, of Charlton, at the
time sheriff of the county, was Marshal, and
the procession marched through the principal
streets, led by the Troy Arsenal U. S. Band,
to the grove in the north part of the village.

The meeting was called to order by Dr.
William J. Clark, the founder of the first
temperance society in the United States, at
Morean, in April, 1808.

Addresses were delivered, and dinner
served to the temperance organizations, in
the grove. The Journal said : "We can safely
say this was the greatest temperance celebra-
tion ever witnessed in this or any other sec-
tion of country."

THE SABBATH SCHOOL CELEBRATION.

[From the Ballston Journal, Sept. 18, 184V.]

The Sabbath School Celebration, which
took place in this village on last Thursday,
as we predicted, was a splendid and interest-
ing gathering. About nine o'clock in the
morning, the scholars from the difl'erent
schools in the county were thronging our
streets, and the thousands of little bright faces,
wreathed with smiles and glowing with in-
nocence, told that it would be an interesting

182

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

time. About ten o'clock the procession formed
(the largest ever witnessed in this county)
and marched to the grove, where as many
as could be were seated. The meeting was
then called to order by the Rev. Mr. Starks
(Methodist) of this village. The exercises
were then opened by prayer by the Rev. Mr.
Chester of Saratoga Springs, and singing by
the choir, assisted by the thousands of scholars
present.

The audience was then addressed by the
Rev. Mr. Miller, of Troy, who was followed
by the Rev. Mr. Warren of the same place.
Both of the speakers gave very appropriate
addresses, much to the satisfaction of all pres-
ent. After singing again by the choir,
(which, by the way, was performed admira-
bly) the audience was again addressed by
John B. Gough the distinguished temper-
ance lecturer. His reputation as a speaker
is too well-known to need a passing remark
by us. The number present on this occasion
was estimated by good judges of such mat-
ters to be 10,000. It was the largest gath-
ering ever witnessed in this part of the state,
and certainly the most interesting sight we
ever witnessed. The occasion we have no
doubt will long be remembered by parents,
teachers, pupils, and all present, and will be
the means of giving a new impetus to the Sab-
bath School cause.

MASONIC.

Franklin Lodge, No. 90, and the Masonic
fraternity of this vicinity celebrated the cen-
tennial anniversary of the initiation of George
Washington into the fraternity, on Thurs-
day, November 4, 1852, by a public proces-
sion in the afternoon, followed by an address,
and a grand ball in the evening at the Village
Hotel (now Medbery's). The Masons ap-
peared in the full regalia appertaining to their
rank. The Ballston Cornet Band furnished
the music, and the streets were crowded while
the procession was passing. The committee
in charge of the celebration was composed of
Brothers Abel Meeker, Henry White, George
Babcock, John J. Lee and N. H. Husted.

THE STATE ARMORY LAYING OF THE CORNER

STONE.
[From the Ballston Journal, Aug. 31, 1858.]

"The corner stone of the State Armory in
this village was laid on Thursday last, with

appropriate ceremonies. The line formed on
High street, headed by Col. C. T. Peek and
the staff officers of the Twenty-ninth Regi-
ment, Captain Hammond's company, the
Peek National Guards, of this village, and
Captain Vandenburgh's company, the Black
Plumed Riflemen, of Stillwater. The Balls-
ton Spa Band headed the Peek National
Guards, and Drew's Band headed the Rifle-
men. The procession marched through some
of the principal streets of the village, and
reached the ground about noon, where Col.
Wm. T. Odell, president of the day, made a
few well-timed and eloquent remarks, and
performed the ceremony of laying the corner-
stone, depositing in the stone a list of the mil-
itary officers of the State, of this Division and
Brigade; also a list of the officers and mem-
bers of the 29th Regiment, the civil officers
of the county, and the village of Ballston Spa,
together with a copy of each of the village
papers.

"After the ceremonies at the Armory were
concluded, the citizens and military repaired
to the grove, where John C. Booth, Esq., de-
livered the oration. It was one of the most
eloquent and appropriate addresses we have
listened to in a long time, and received the
highest praise from all who heard it. Hon.
J. M. Cook and Judge McKean were called
and made a few humorous remarks, which
were received with great applause.

"After the speaking, the military and their
guests sat down to a dinner which had pre-
viously been prepared, and — well, we will say
no more on this subject, for soldiers who have
traveled all day know how to manage such
matters themselves.

"The day was fine, and the affair passed off
very pleasantly. Between two and three thou-
sand persons were present on the occasion."

THE CENTENNIAL FOURTH.

On the fourth day of July, 1776, the Con-
tinental Congress sat in session in Philadel-
phia. Thomas Jefferson had brought in the
Declaration of Independence, and despite
sharp debate on some minor points, it was easy
to see that its unanimous passage -would soon
follow. It was resolved to announce the
event by ringing the old state-house bell,
which bore the inscription: "Proclaim lib-
erty to the land: and to all the inhabitants
thereof!" The old bellman, accordingly.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

183

placed his little grandson at the door of the
hall, to await the instruction of the door-
keeper when to ring; and when the word was
given, the patriot-scion rushed out, and fling-
ing up his hands, shouted, "Ring, ring, ring."

"And straightway at the signal.

The old bellman lifts his hand,

And sends the good news, making

Iron music through the land.

"How they shouted ! What rejoicing !
How the old bell shook the air.
Till the clang of freedom ruffled
The calm-gliding Delaware !

"How the bon-fires and the torches
Illumed the night's repose,
And from the flames, like Phoenix
Fair Liberty arose I

"That old bell now is silent.

And hushed its iron tongue,
But the spirit it awakened
Still lives, — forever young."

The Quaker city was not left to rejoice
alone at the new-made freedom of a people.
The response from every side secured that
freedom, and the spirit of that first Fourth,
transmitted from father to son perpetuated
it, till, on the one hundredth anniversary the
bells rang and the cannon boomed in every
place from the Atlantic to the Pacific; from
the pine-clad hills of Maine to the blue waters
of the Gulf.

The centennial celebration in Ballston Spa
on July 4, 1876, was worthy of the occasion.
There may have been more imposing and ex-
tensive demonstrations elsewhere, but in no
place was the celebration entered into with
more heartiness and general interest.

Monday evening, July 3, was the most
brilliant one ever witnessed in the village.
The moon was out in its brightest sheen, as
if to add lustre to the magnificent illustrations
which were displayed in every street. The
numerous and ingenious devices which met
the eye drew forth expressions of surprise and
admiration from the thousands who passed
up and down the streets, taking into view all
the splendors which made the night glorious.
Referring to the decorations the Ballston
Democrat said : "On all sides it was freely
acknowledged that our neighbors of the Balls-
ton Journal bore off the palm in the extent
and beauty of their illuminated decorations,
conspicuous in which was a representation of

the "Independence bell" flanked on either
side by the "Star of Liberty" and the "Star
Spangled Banner."

Among the ringing bells which ushered in
the first hour of the nations' second century,
was that of Christ Church, noted for its pe-
culiar tone as well as for its history. Previous
to 1776 it was the only church bell in the city
of Albany, hanging in the tower of the old
Dutch Church at the foot of State street. It
was made to ring out glad peals in that city
on the 19th day of July, 1776, the day on
which Albanians first listened to the public
reading of the Declaration of Independence.
It bears this inscription : "Benj. Whitear —
Sharon — in 1774. This bell is made for the
high Jermon (German) Church — Albani."
By that church it was presented to Christ
Church in 1817. In 1826, at the half century,
when the Fourth was celebrated here with
more pomp and ceremony than ever before,
it gave forth its distinctive clang right joyfully
amid the sharp sounds of neighboring bells.

At sunrise the national salute boomed out
over the village. At ten o'clock the procession
was formed, and led by the Ballston Band,
marched through the principal streets, dis-
persing at the Sans Souci.

At half past twelve the assembled thousands
gathered in the court yard of the Sans Souci.
After music by the band, and singing by a
male quartet, prayer was offered by Rev.
George W. Brown, of the Methodist Church.
T. F. Hamilton, Esq., read the Declaration of
Independence. This was followed by the
Historical Address by Judge George G. Scott.
At half-past three a century tree was planted
near the spring at the west end of Front
street, at which time Hon. J. S. L'Amoreairx
delivered the centennial oration. At five
o'clock the ancient and honorable Filibusters
entered the town, and their astounding parade
added greatly to the renown of other years.
In the evening there was a grand display of
fire works in front of the Sans Souci.

The Ballston Journal closed its account of
the celebration with this prophesy: "An-
other chapter in the history of our famous
village is thus brought to a close. The next
centennial chapter will be that of the Foun-
tain City of the World, with its centre at
Geyser Springs, and its circumference drawn
by a radius of at least seven miles."

i8o7

1907

ONE HUNDREDTH
ANNIVERSARY
OF THE VILLAGE
OF BALLSTON SPA

— NEW YORK —

June Twenty-Second
to June Twenty-Fifth

NINETEEN HUNDRED SEVEN

SOUVENIR PROGRAMME

I'ac-Miiiili' iif Title I'age of the Ceritciinial rrogiamme. The picture of the Sans Souci
is printed from the original wood cut made in 1S04.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

185

The Centennial

THE village of Ballston Spa was in-
corporated JNIarch 21, 1807, and in
commemoration of that event the
village trustees held a meeting at
"Brookside," the home of Trustee William S.
Waterhury, on Thursday, March 21, 1907, at
five o'clock in the afternoon.

"Brookside" in 1807, and for many years
thereafter, was known as the "Aldridge
House." The proprietor, Joshua B. Aldridge,
was a member of the first board of village
trustees, and the first meeting of this Board
was held in this house at five o'clock in the
afternoon of June 6, 1807.

Trustee Waterbury had invited the trus-
tees to hold a centennial meeting in this his-
toric place, and promptly at five o'clock, as
the village bells rang out the old and rang in
the new, and the whistles from every factory
proclaimed in shrill tones the beginning of the
second century of village life, \'illage Presi-
dent Irving W. Wiswall called the meeting
to order.

The minutes of the board of trustees con-
tain the following record of this historic
meeting :

"Adjourned meeting of the board of trustees of
the village of Ballston Spa, N. Y., held March 21,
1907, at five o'clock P. M.

"Present: Irving W. Wiswall, president; John
Corning, Hugh S. Finley, George W. Miller, Nel-
son F. Pitts. Leander Spicer, William S. Water-
bury, trustees.

"Minutes of meeting held March 2ist, 1807, read.
President Wiswall said, 'these are the minutes of
the last mealing held in this house, and if there
are no objections, they stand approved as read.'
No objections.

"Continuing, Mr. Wiswall said ; 'Before we
proceed with the business of this meeting I wish,
on behalf of the board of trustees and others to
thank our host and hostess for their courtesy in
making this meeting possible. We stand in a his-
toric spot, the most hallowed and sacred in the
village of Ballston Spa. C3n we realize that under
this same roof and within the confines of these
same walls, the first board of trustees met? A
strange thing it is that the first resolution by that

board pertained to the same subject as the com-
plex problem that has taken up the attention of
the board for several years past ; the matter of
building sewers and drains.'

"Mr. Wiswall spoke of the fact that the first
meeting of the board 'was held in this house on
June 6, 1807, and that the present meeting was
held, not in commemoration of the first board
meeting, but of the passing of the Act of Incor-
poration.

" 'It seems to me,' remarked the president, 'that
this meeting should be but a preliminary of a large
celebration, and that the officials and ex-otTicials
present should take some action to properly cele-
brate the centennial.'

"Mr. Wiswall spoke of the growth of the vil-
lage in its early history as a summer resort the
first in the land, when large numbers of highly
notable people came here to spend the summer
and drink of the health-giving springs. He also
called attention to many interesting things to be
found in the book of minutes of the trustees in
the early part of the past century, reading a num-
ber of selections from the minutes.

"Mr. Waterbury read a number of selections
from Fenimore Cooper's 'Last of the Mohicans,'
in which he spoke of the village.

"Mr. Waterbury offered the following resolu-
tion :

" 'Resolved, That the highway in the village
of Ballston Spa, beginning on the west side of
Charlton street, at the foot of Front street, and
leading westerly and northerly to Prospect street,
be hereby named and hereafter known as Aldridge
Road, in honor of Joshua B. Aldridge, one of the
first trustees of the village — elected one hundred
years ago, and through whose property the high-
way was laid.' Adopted.

"Mr. James F. Peckham, the oldest former
trustee present, gave some reminiscences.

"Former president, Stephen C. Medbery, called
attention to the fact that the second meeting of
the board of trustees, when the first ordinance was
adopted, was held at the house of his grandfather,
William Clark. Former president, Abijah Com-
stock also spoke in an interesting manner.

"Trustee Miller spoke very feelingly of the
honor he felt it to be to belong to the board of
trustees at this time, and his high appreciation of
the courtesy of Trustee Waterbury and Mrs. Wa-
terbury in inviting the board to assemble at their
home.

"Charles H. Grose, a former clerk of the vil-
lage, and proprietor of the Ballston Journal, made
some very interesting remarks.

186

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

"Just at tliis time the telephone rang, and on
returning from answering the call, Trustee Wa-
terbury remarked: 'i have just received congratu-
lations to the village fathers from one of the
village mothers,' and in explanation he stated that
the message was from Mrs. O. D. Vaughn, whose
late lamented husband was a trustee of the village
in 1852.

"Luncheon was served by Mrs. W. S. Water-
bury, assisted by Mrs. I. W. Wiswall and Miss
Madelia Waterbury, while little Misses Helen Wa-
terbury and Mary Kerley helped.

"Mr. Miller moved that a vote of thanks be ex-
tended to the hostess, saying: 'On behalf of the
president and trustees, and others present, we do
most heartily thank our hostess, who has so de-
lightfully served us.'

"The meeting was adjourned with the guests
personally greeting Mrs. Waterbury, Mrs. Wis-
wall and Miss Waterbury, in leaving the historic
residence after a most delightful time.

"Those present were: President Irving W.
Wiswall ; Trustees John Corning, Hugh S. Fin-
ley, George W. Miller, Nelson F. Pitts, Leander
Spicer, and William S. Waterbury; Clerk Wil-
liam H. Sherman; Street Commissioner John S.
Ryan; Village Treasurer Charles O. McCreedy,
Jr.; village policemen. Chief James J. O'Brien,
Officers Terence Buckley and James E. Conner;
former village presidents Stephen C. Medbery,
Charles O. McCreedy, Sr., Abijah Comstock, Al-
fred N. Wiley and Thomas Finley; former trustee
James F. Peckham; former treasurer Thomas
Kerley; former clerk Charles H. Grose; former
street commissioner George M. Hoyt; press repre-
sentatives Arthur Mathers and Benjamin S.
Henry of the Journal, Richard C. Anzer, George
W. Ralph and William J. Burnham of the News.
"William H. Sherman, Clerk."

During the meeting Trustee Waterbury said
that he was sorry not to have present the only
trustee now living who served during the
first half century of the history of the village,
Stephen B. Medbery. Mr. Medbery expected
to be present, but was taken sick and was un-
able to attend.

Former trustee James F. Peckham said that
he remembered the village when it was a rural
hamlet, and that he grew up with it and had
known most of the public men personally
who had been born and lived here. "My
grandfather settled here," said Mr. Peckham,
"and I, as a boy, have visited this house manv
times. My grandmother has often told me
of seeing the deer come in large numbers to
drink at the spring."

Former village clerk Charles H. Grose,
proprietor of the Ballston Journal said: "It
is very fitting that we should meet under this
roof that sheltered the first board of trustees

at its first meeting, and it is an interesting
coincidence that the present owner of this
historic residence should also be a member
of the present board of trustees. The Jour-
nal is one hundred and nine years old, and in
its issue of the week of the incorporation and
of the first meeting of the board without doubt
called attention to those interesting events.
The Journal to-day contains the names of the
first board of trustees, and also those of the
last, the present board, and I take pleasure in
presenting to each member of the board a
copy of the centennial number of the Journal."

At the close of the proceedings President
Wiswall said that he thought no definite
action should be taken at this time in relation
to a proper celebration of the centennial, but
that he would call a public meeting to be held
at Odd Fellows Hall some evening of the
next week.

The following call was issued by President
Wiswall :

"centennial mass meeting."

"Pursuant to a resolution passed by the Board
of Trustees, and in response to a request made by
many of the citizens of Ballston Spa, a meeting of
the citizens will be held at Odd Fellows Hall on
Friday evening, at 7.30 o'clock, for the purpose of
discussing and formulating a plan for a suitable cel-
ebration of the one hundredth anniversary of our
village.

"It is hoped that the civic pride of our citizens
will be stirred to action on this occasion, and that
all persons having the welfare of their village at
heart will attend the meeting.

"There are but very few villages in the State of
of New York that can boast of a hundred years of
municipal government. Let us have a celebration,
that shall be dignified, impressive and glorious, one
in which our fair village shall be honored, and of
which our citizens shall feel justly proud.

"Irving W. Wiswall, President."

CENTENNIi^.L ASSOCIATION.

Pursuant to the call of the village president
about two hundred representative men of the
village assembled in Odd Fellows Hall Friday
evening, March 29. President Wiswall pre-
sided and George T. Cunningham was secre-
tary of the meeting.

President Wiswall, in opening the meeting,
suggested that the most practical plan and the
one best calculated to insure a successful cele-
bration was the forming of a Centennial As-
sociation. The meeting adopted the sugges-
tion, and the following committee was ap-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

187

pointed to report By-Laws, and nominate
ofEcers: Edward S. Coons, John H. Burke,
Charles Coleman, Walter H. Wiley and
Charles Schwarz.

While awaiting the report of the commit-
tee a general discussion as to the celebration,
and the character it should assume was had.

The committee made the following report :

This Association shall be called the Ballston Spa
Centennial Association.

It shall consist of a president, vice-presidents, sec-
retary, treasurer and executive committee, and the
president shall be chairman ex-officio of said com-
mittee.

Any citizen of the village shall be eligible to mem-
bership in the Association.

The object of the society shall be to provide ways
and means for a suitable celebration of the one hun-
dredth anniversary of the village of Ballston Spa.

The executive committee shall have the general
management of the celebration subject to the ap-
proval of the Association.

OFFICERS.

President — Irving W. Wiswall.

Treasurer — Thomas Kerley.

Secretary — A. I. Thayer.

Vice-Presidents — Andrew S. BoQth, J. S. L'Amor-
eaux, Stephen B. Medbery, James F. Peckham, Har-
vey J. Donaldson, Rev. B. J. McDonough, Rev. H. S.
Rowe, Rev. J. W. Hegeman, Rev. A. B. Potter, Rev.
Arthur T. Young, James W. Verbeck, Thomas Fin-
ley, H. H. Ferris, John R. Shepard, William H.
Knickerbacker, George H. West, Charles O. Mc-
Creedy, Sr., Alfred N. Wiley, E. S. Lawrence, Geo.
R. Beach, Horace E. McKnight, Abijah Comstock,
Gen. J. B. Babcock, Osgood H. Shepard, Charles P.
Rooney, Theodore S. Haight, H. Vassar Haight,
Samuel Smith, Frank R. Wilson, D. L. Wood, Henry
C. Hale, Braman Ayers, Dr. F. J. Sherman, Dr. J.
T. Sweetman, Jr., Dr. Collins, C. W. Eede, William
Boyce, Samuel Bowen, John Vandenburg, Charles
Jarvis, James A. Burnham, Elmer Kemp, Lester
King, George Hoyt, Washington Bentley, William
Whalen, Thomas Kelly, D. V. G. Curtis, John Pow-
ers, Samuel Gould, William Ryan, Michael Fitzpat-
rick, George Southcott, James Painter, Sr., Jesse
Charboneau, Henry Haight, Magnus Schwarz, Louis
Schwarz, Frank H. Brown, Vedder Gervin, Charles
L. Brown, Hyman Frank, J. S. Wooley, James
Chalice, Arthur Mathers, Charles P. Rooney, Dr. T.
C. Royal, Mitchell Stark, C. D. Sickler, Douw F.
Winney, William Namack, Dr. J. R. Cornell, Dr. W.
H. Tibbetts, Dr. C. E. Foote, A. Schwinler, William
Wagar, Beecher Hall, Frank D. Groat, S. C. Shaef-
fer, Alexander B. Morrison, Fred J. Rooney, Her-
bert B. Massey, Charles Frerkson, Charles E. Mas-
sey, Dennis Manogtie, Louis Henry, Simon Mc-
Carty, Lacy King, Moses Forbes, William Corning,
John Mooney, Albert Van Arnem, William Jones,

John McNamara, Richard Cunningham, Dr. Horatio
Craig, Charles Massey, Edward Brooks, William
Mooney, Thomas Coulson, Tracy Nichols, John
Daly, William Burdick, William Dower, Charles
Bremer, Charles Baker, Albert Miller, Abijah War-
ner, Patrick Brady, R. B. Godfrey, Frank Playford,
Gilbert McFarland, Frank Larkin, James Haywood,
Edward DcCora, James Riley, Patrick Morrissey,
Walter Furlong, William Lawrence, Michael Heeney,
William Flaherty, Adelbert Armstrong, George Tib-
betts, Joseph McKinnon, Dr. J. B. MacNeil, Louis
Wait, Michael Sheehy, George Ashton, John Rey-
nolds, C. N. Mead, Christopher Herzog, Frank
Cook, David Frisbie, W. A. Ten Eyck, Charles Hall,
Luke Bouchard, John Dohig, James Munn, William
Cahill, Thomas Dymond, Chauncey Irish, William
McCarty, George Webster, W. O. Sweet, Sarsfield
Egan, John Lahey, John Hennessy, Michael Griffin,
William Furlong, Lawrence Gorman, Louis Guertin,
John Mongeau, Michael Fagan, Charles Fortin, Geo.
McDonough, Edward Bushj James Kerley, Cornelius
Jackson, Thomas Duffy, J. L. Tracy, John O'Brien,
John Dower, Henry Lowry, Timothy Driscoll, Ter-
rence Finley, Daniel Kelly, Ray Dennin, John Burns.
E.xecutive Committee — President. Secretary, Treas-
urer and William S. Waterbury, Hugh Finley, John
Corning, George W. Miller, Leander Spicer, Nelson
F. Pitts, Stephen C. Medbery, John H. Burke, Fred-
erick J. Wheeler, Charles H. Grose, Edward S.
Coons, James J. O'Brien, George West, William H.
Quinn, George M. Cook, James E. Conner, Grant
Gould, Burton D. Esmond, Daniel Furlong, Fred-
erick H. Beach, W. W. Brown, James H. Humphrey,
T. D. Coulson, Charles Foss, R. C. Anzer, C. O. Mc-
Creedy, Jr.. A. J. Freeman, Charles Coleman, H. C.
Westcot. W. J. Aumack, E. F. Grose, George T.
Cunningham, G. S. McCreedy, W. H. Wiley, Frank
Holmes, Joseph Mason, John N. Hutchins, Paul
Kyack, Robert L. Carter, John L. Powers, Frank D.
Winney. Michael Sheehy, A. A. Lavery, Irwin Es-
mond, William Rooney.

At a meeting of the Executive Committee
held in the parlors of Eagle Fire Compaiiy,
No. I, it was decided to hold the Centennial
in June, from the 22nd to the 25th. The fol-
lowing committees were appointed to have
charge of the several features of the cele-
bration :

Advisory Committee— Irving W. Wiswall, Dr. A.
I. Thayer, John H. Burke, Frederick J. Wheeler,
Stephen C. Medbery, Andrew J. Freeman, George
W. Miller, John Corning, William J. Aumack.

Finance Committee— Stephen C. Medbery, Edward
S. Coons, Charles O. McCreedy, Jr., George West,
William Rooney, Frederick H. Beach, James E.
Conners, William H. Quinn, James H. Humphrey.

Literary Committee — Burton D. Esmond, Edward
F. Grose^ Walter H. Wiley. William Rooney, Wil-
liam S. Waterbury, A. I. Thayer, John H, Burke,
W. C. Anzer. Grant Gould.

Parade Committee — Irwin Esmond, A. A. Lavery,

188

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

James J. O'Brien, Nelson F. Pitts, George M. Cook,
George T. Cunningham, Daniel Furlong, Charles H.
Grose, Hugh Finley.

Home Coming Committee — William S. Waterbury,
Robert L. Carter, Joseph Mason, Frank D. Winney,
Herbert C. Westcot, Gordon S. McCreedy, William
A. Mehan, Michael Sheehy.

Reception Committee — Harvey J. Donaldson, chair-
man ; Judge J. S. L'Amoreaux, Andrew S. Booth,
William H. Knickerbacker, Osgood H. Shepard,
Horace E. McKnight, George H. West, Stephen B.
Medbery, James F. Peckham, Rev. B. J. McDonough,
Rev. H. S. Rowe, Rev. J. W. Hegeman, Rev. Arthur
T. Young, Rev. A. B. Potter, James W. Verbeck, H.
H. Ferris, John R. Shepard, C. O. McCreedy, Sr.,
George F. Clapp, A. N. Wiley, E. S. Lawrence, F. J.
Sherman, Jr., George R. Beach, Abijah Comstock,
Gen. J. B. Babcock, Charles Rooney, Theodore S.
Haight, H. Vassar Haight, Samuel Smith, Frank R.
Wilson. Thomas Finley, Edward L. Smith, Roland
W. Smith, Henry C. Hale, R. B. Castree, Hugh Wha-
len, Henry Shaeffer, George T. Smith, Charles Cole-
man, Leander Spicer, W. O. Sweet, Charles Van
Buren, Paul Kyack, Francis Holmes, John L.
Powers.

Ladies' Committee — Miss Mary Moore, Miss
Rhoda Thompson, Miss Sarah L. Sargent, Miss Mary
Leach, Mrs. Frances L. McLean, Mrs. Samuel Smith,
Mrs. Andrew Smith, Mrs. Thomas Finley, Mrs. W.
H. Knickerbacker, Mrs. George E. Knox, Mrs. H. A.
Shaeffer, Mrs. Charles Foss, Mrs. J. F. Hennessey.
Mrs. W. S. Waterbury, Mrs. Emily West, Mrs. H. j.
Donaldson, Mrs. Walter H. West, Mrs. George C.
Beecher, Mrs. Annie Aldrich, Mrs. James W. Ver-
beck, Mrs. George West, Jr., Mrs. W. H. McKittrick,
Mrs. F. H. Beach. Mrs. Hugh Whalen, Mrs. Theo-
dore S. Haight, Mrs. H. Vassar Haight, Mrs. Geo.
H. West. Mrs. John H. Burke, Mrs. Dennis Ma-
nogue, Mrs. F. J. Sherman, Mrs. H. E. McKnight.
Mrs. Emma W. Sherwood, Mrs. Mary L. Diehl,
Mrs. James H. Humphrey, Mrs. C. W. Eede, Mrs. A.
J. Fenton, Mrs. A. H. Van Arnum, Mrs. A. A.
Hemphill, Mrs. J. S. Wooley, Mrs. H. Frank, Mrs.
H. H. Ferris, Mrs. W. O. Sweet. Mrs. S. A. Egan,
Mrs. J. T. Sweetman, Jr., Mrs. F. H. Brown, IMrs.
C. E. Fitcham, Mrs. Thomas Kerley. Mrs. S. C.
Medbery, Mrs. H. J. Medbery, Mrs. W. J. Redmond,
Mrs. Frank C. Herrick. Mrs. Nathaniel Montrose,
Mrs. Gordon S. McCreedy, Mrs. J. J. Tracy, Mrs.
Lacy King, Mrs. N. F. Pitts, Mrs. Myron F. Sim-
mons, Mrs. Frederick J. Wheeler, Mrs. Seth S.
Whalen, Mrs. Irwin Esmond, Mrs. John Corning,
Mrs. E. J. Briggs, Mrs. William Corning, Mrs, D. L.
Wood, Mrs. Samuel Gould, Mrs. George W. Gard-
ner, ?\Irs. Henry Crippen, Mrs. William H. Quinn,
Mrs. Rush H. Young, Mrs. Vedder Gervin, Mrs.
Peter A. Gilchrist, Mrs. Michael Keeney, Mrs. John
H. Westcot, Mrs. P. Piatt Williams, Mrs. Margaret
Powell. Mrs. Eliza Cunningham, Mrs. B. D. Esmond,
Mrs. H. A. Mann, Mrs. J. F. Peckham, Mrs. N. R.
Vandenburgh, Mrs. E. S. Coons, Mrs. J. S. L'Am-
oreaux, Mrs. George R. Beach, Mrs. S. E. E^tabrook,
Mrs. E. F. Grose, Mrs. C. H. Grose, Mrs. Fred
Armer, Mrs. James P. Kelley, Mrs. Ellen Carlin, Mrs.

Louis Schwarz, Mrs. O. D. Vaughn, Mrs. George
C. Valentine, Mrs. Francis J. Kline, Mrs. W. J.
Burnham, Mrs. George T. Cunningham, Mrs. Neil
Gilmour, Mrs. J. A. Raymond, Mrs. Leander Spicer,
Mrs. Charles Frerkson, Mrs. J. R. Cornell, Mrs.
Jane Sherman, Mrs. Matthew Bunyan, Mrs. J. J.
Mooney, Mrs. R. N. Garrett, Mrs. F. J. Rooney, Mrs.
Arthur Mathers, Mrs. William Feeney, Mrs. F. D.
Groat, Mrs. William Clements, Mrs. B. L. Cole,
Mrs. Walter Furlong.

THE PROGRAMME.

The following admirable programme was
arranged for the four days' observance of the
centennial :

Saturday, June 22. — Afternoon: Athletic sports
on the Fair Ground, under the auspices of the Health
and Strength Club of Ballston Spa. Evening:
Home welcome and re-union on "Mohican Hill," at
Brookside.

Sunday, June 23. — Commemorative services and re-
unions in each of the churches, with sermons and
addresses by former pastors.

Monday, June 24. — Fraternal Day. — All society
and lodge rooms, the churches, the school buildings,
fire engine houses and court house to be open to
visitors from two to five o'clock in the afternoon.

A grand concert by Fairman's Boston Band from
2.30 to 4.30 p. m., at the speakers' platform on High
street.

Monday evening. — Meetings in the Presbyterian,
Methodist and Baptist Churches and in St. Mary's
Hall, with brief addresses by former Ballstonians,
and vocal and instrumental music.

Tuesday. June 25. — Centennial Day. — President of
the Day, Hon. Jesse S. L'Amoreaux ; Marshal of
the Day, Gen. John D. Babcock, U. S. A., (retired.)

At ten o'clock in the forenoon a Grand Parade of
military and civic organizations and the public
schools.

At half past two o'clock in the afternoon, the
Centennial Mass Meeting on High street, to be an-
nounced by the ringing of the Revolutionary bell in
the tower of the Parish House.

Tuesday evening. — Grand display of Pain's fire-
works, and a grand concert by Doring's band.

THE CELEBRATION.

SATURD.A.Y OPENING DAY.

The amateur athletic meet in the afternoon
was a most auspicious opening of the Cen-
tennial Celebration. The Strength and Health
Club arranged an excellent program, and it
was carried out with fine spirit.

The High School events were won by the
Ballston Spa school with 23 points ; Cam-
bridge second with 21 points; Argyle third,
17 points; Berlin, 14 points; Glens Falls, 5
points. In the half mile run, Arner Eede of

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

189

Ballston Spa broke the High School record,
making the distance in 2.17.

Louden Field Club easily took first place
in the club events with 32 f>oints ; Columbia
A. C, of Schenectady, second, iij^ points;
Saratoga Y. M. C. A., third, 10 points, with
only one man entered, Spratt winning both
events in which he took part ; Strength and
Health Club, Ballston Spa, 5 points ; Os-sa-
hin-ta Club, Ballston Spa, 3 points; Turn
Verein, Schenectady, J^ point.

Hammer throw — Safford, Argj'le, first; Ashton,
Cambridge, second; Mitchell, third. Distance, 132 ft.

Broad jump — Won by Miller, of Berlin; Mc-
Naughton, Argyle, second ; Ashton, Cambridge, third.
Distance, 19 feet, 3 inches.

Discus throw — Won by Ashton of Cambridge;
Phillips, Ballston, second; Ellis, Argyle, third. Dis-
tance, 100 ft.

A. A. U. CLUB EVENTS.

Quarter mile — Won by Donahue, of Louden;
Whealey, Troy, second; Pearsau, Columbia, 1hird.
Time, 51 4-5 seconds.

Broad jump — Wood, Strength and Health, first;

MILTON AVENUE.

The summaries were as follows :

HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS.

100 yard dash— Won by Cole, of Ballston ; Miller,
Berlin, second; McNaughton, Argyle, third. Time,
II seconds.

High jump — Won by Huggins, of Cambridge:
Phillips, Ballston Spa, second: Miller, Berlin, third..
Height, s ft. 6Vi in.

120 yard hurdles — Bedell, of Ballston and Mc-
Naughton, of Cambridge, tied for first place; Miller,
Berlin, third. Time, 17 4-5 sec.

Shot put— Ashton, of Cambridge, first; Hull, of^
Berlin, second; Mitchell, Cambridge, third. Dis-*
tance, 40 feet, i in.

Half mile— Won by Eede, Ballston; Henrj-, Ar-
gyle, second. Time, 2.17.

440 yard dash — Won by Liddell, Glens Falls; Cole,
Ballston, second: Hull, Berlin, third. Time, 56 2-6
seconds.

Bissell and Donahue, of Louden, second and third.
Distance, 20 ft., 7 in.

Mile run — Won by Burlingame, of Louden ; Scraf-
ford and Meagher, of Columbia, second and third.
Time, 4.45^^.

100 yard dash — Won by Spratt, of Saratoga : Mc-
Naughton, Argyle, second ; Merrill, Louden, third.
Time, 104-5.

Pole vault — Won by Donahue, of Louden; Cole,
Os-sa-hin-ta, second : Roberts, Turn Verein and
Forbes, Columbia, tied for third place. Height, 9
ft., 9 in.

Mile relay race — Won by Louden; Columbia,
second.

Shot put — Won by McNamee, of Columbia ; Loner-
gan, of Albany, second; Ashton, Cambridge, third.
Distance, 45 ft, 9 in.

220 yard dash — Won by Spratt, of Saratoga : Mer-
rill, Louden, second ; Ottman, Columbia, third. Time,
23 4-5 seconds.

190

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

OFFICIALS OF THE MEET.

Referee, William Rooney; starter, Fred Rooney;
timers, Frank Winney, Geo. West, A. A. Lavery, D.
V. G. Curtis ; judges at finish, E. Geiser, J. F. Kil-
mer, J. L. Gorman; field judges, Jos. King, Geo. Mc-
Donough, E. S. Coons, W. Case, Valentine Baker,
Samuel Taverner; official scorer, Harry Robbins;
announcer, Hiley Armer; clerk of course, Walter
Rooney; assistant clerk of course, W. Pickering.

SATURDAY EVENING.

The re-union on "Mohican Hill," at Brook-
side, fairly eclipsed any event of a similar
character known in Ballston's history. The
grounds were splendidly illuminated under the
direction of Superintendent John Ryan, of
the electric lighting company, and the thou-
sands who visited the large plateau which
crowns the hill, were delighted with the beau-
tiful scene which there presented itself, as
well as charmed with the fine music of Leader
Holcomb's Silver Cornet Band of Glens Falls.

At the entrance to the path which winds
its way up the hill there was a blaze of Hght
from a large illumination which read: "1807
— Ballston Spa Centennial — 1907," and under
neath was a large crayon picture represent-
ing "Uncas," the famous Last of the Mohi-
cans. Hundreds of electric lights were used
in the lighting of the grounds, and the scene
will never be forgotten by those present. The
home-coming re-union was unique in char-
acter, and a conception worthy of the occasion.

CENTENNIAL SUNDAY.

Services of a commemorative character were
held in all the churches. At the Catholic,
Methodist and Episcopal churches, historical
sketches were read by the pastors. (A com-
plete history of all the village churches will
be found in the history of the village, else-
where in this volume.)

The services were largely attended, and
former pastors and old-time residents were
cordially welcomed.

BAPTIST CHURCH.

At the morning service, Miss Annie Dor-
ward, daughter of a former pastor, sang very
sweetly a solo entitled "Face to Face."

Just before the sermon Mr. C. H. Grose
read the following letter, prefacing the read-
ing by these remarks :

"Rev. William O. Holman, D.D., was pas-

tor of this church from 1862 to 1865, a little
more than three years, and during the stirring
times of the civil war. Some of you who are
present this morning will recall with grateful
memories his very successful pastorate. He
now resides in Rockland, Me. Mr. E. F.
Grose sent him an invitation to our centennial,
and in reply has received a very interesting
letter, portions of which I will read to you.
The letter is written in a bold, steady hand,
which shows no evidence of advancing age.
My only regret is that Dr. Holman is not here
to speak to you with that same charm of
manner and eloquent speech which he pos-
sessed in such an eminent degree. Dr. Hol-
man writes :

Rockland, June 19, 1907.

Dear Friend Grose : Your letter was a grateful
surprise both to me and my wife. Our memories
of Ballston Spa and the dear old church are vivid
and happy. Times without number we have talked
over the three years we spent there, and re-
called the many friends we made there, and won-
dered who, and how many of them might still be liv-
ing. Your father was a man of more than ordinary
and diversified talents, whose experience in the
ministry was often of service to me as a very young
minister. That was one of the happiest Sabbaths
of my life when, while I was baptizing others, your
father joined me in the service, and baptized your
brother Howard, and your sister Elizabeth.

Of my old parishioners I was very fond, and
though I was a strong Republican and defender of
"the war for the union," and many of them were
not, there never was any unpleasantness between
us on that account. They loved me so well and
enjoyed my ministry so much that they bore with
me on all questions upon which we differed, even
when I made war speeches, not excepting that Sun-
day night speech, just before the draft. Indeed, I
recall the Bloods, the Noxons, the Millards, Mr.
Wiley and others who were strong Democrats,
with as much pleasure to-day as the Garretts and
others who were such staunch Republicans. I
often wonder how we all got on so famously and
so happily, without a single jar during tho^e ex-
citmg days. Certainly God was with us; blessed
us with peace among ourselves as a church, and
granted us precious revivals of religion notwith-
standing all the distractions of the civil war. I
was glad to hear that so many are still alive to re-
member me affectionately as I do them. Rev.
David Tully and I were especially warm friends.
He was many years my senior but years made no
difference between us, and differing^ creeds not a
bit. The Methodist minister was my next door
neighbor at one time, and he was a kindly soul —
Fox was his name if I remember aright. George
Worthington, a very gifted and genial young man,
was the Episcopal clergyman. I thought he would
make his mark in the world, and I was not sur-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

191

prised when a few years since I learned he had
been made a bishop of one of the western states.
You remember when we built over our meeting
house, and how proud we were of it, when we re-
dedicated it after spending some $5,000 on it. I
raised the money myself by subscription. The con-
tributions came freely, though the times were hard.
I am glad you have a new house of worship now,
though I am sure you cannot have any better times
than we had in the old one. They were blessed
days.

How well I remember, and how lovingly, my
immediate predecessor in the pastorate. Rev. Wil-
liam Groom — a man of extraordinary intellect, a
profound thinker, a royal preacher, a most devoted
pastor and lovable character. That I was able in
any degree to fill his place is a matter for which I
have always been grateful. How, too, I reverenced
the Elder Norman Fox, as I have since honored
his son and namesake, though he never was pastor
at Ballston Spa. Well, I must stop — so many
memories come thronging around my heart that I
cannot write them.

God bless the dear old church over which it was
once my joy to be pastor, and which still has a
large place in my heart and prayers.

And now I must sorrowfully say that it will be
impossible for me to be with you in your centennial
observances. I am just recovering from the severest
illness of my life, a siege of pneumonia which car-
ried me so low that several times it was thought I
was about to pass away. Confined to my bed and
room for over ninety days, I am now able to be
about, and almost daily I walk and ride out, but
would not dare to come so far in my present weak-
ness. Again and again I have wished I might since
your letter came. Mrs. Holman joins me in love
and good wishes. M'^ith loving regards to you and
yours, W. O. Holman.

Rev. William T. Dorward, of Stelton, N. J.,
a former pastor of the church, preached the
morning discourse from ist Corinthians, xviii:
10, "By the grace of God I am what I am."

At the evening service Rev. W. T. C.
Hanna, pastor of the church eighteen years
ago, preached an inspiring sermon, his sub-
ject being "Christ is all in all."

EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

At the morning service in Christ Church
the Rector, Rev. J. W. Hegeman, read the
following letter from Bishop Worthington :

New York, May 12th, 1907.
It gratifies me exceedingly to have the assurance
which your kind note contains, that the good peo-
ple of Christ Church, Ballston Spa, after these many
years hold me in cordial remembrance. I treasure
the memory of the happy relations existing between
us during the brief period of my first rectorship.
They were very patient with my youth and inex-
perience. How long ago it seems! Doubtless many

who were my fellow laborers in the parish and whose
sympathetic loyalty secured any success attending
my ministry there, have entered into the rest of the
children of God.

It is with unfeigned regret, my dear Brother, that
in thanking you and your vestry for the polite in-
vitation to be your guest on the twenty-third of
June and preach on the interesting occasion re-
ferred to. I must reply that other engagements,
which as they are named you will observe, cannot
be deferred, will prevent me from accepting.

My diocesan school closes in June, and I expect
as usual to be in my diocese, not alone to preside
at the graduating exercises and to preach the Bac-
calaureate sermon, but to attend the annual meet-
ing of various trusteeships at which our diocesan
caucus requires my presence ; and after my return
from the west I have made two engagements here,
which like the others cannot be deferred.

May I ask you to remember me most cordially to
the wardens and vestry, and seeking for you and the
parish the divine blessing. Believe me,
Faithfully yours,

G. Worthington.

Rev. Dr. J. Montague Geer was the
preacher at this service. He is a son of the
late Rev. George Jarvis Geer, and Rector of
St. Paul's Church, in New York City. Dr.
Geer prefaced his sermon by speaking of the
pleasure it gave him to accept the invitation
of the rector to attend the centennial and be
his guest. He said:

"I am here because this is my birthplace and I
am proud of it. I am also here because it was my
father's pleasure and privilege to minister during
the years 1845 to 1852 to this parish. He had a
great love for many of the people of this parish and
I have learned that that love was returned by the
people of Ballston Spa. When I received the in-
vitation, I felt that I should be ashamed not to
honor my father's memory and my birthplace, by
letting other matters interfere with my coming."
Dr. Geer spoke of the progress that had been made
since his father came to the parish and mentioned
a singular incident that happened when he first came
to the parish. It appeared that the church had been
let by the trustees to a traveling company of players
in which to give a performance. That contract
was quickly cancelled for if it had not been there
would soon have been a vacancy in the rectorship."

Dr. Geer preached an able sermon on "The
Importance of the Religion of Jesus Christ."

At the evening service George Foster Pea-
body, of Lake George and New York, gave
an address. Mr. Peabody is a prominent lay-
man of the church and greatly interested in
the education of the people of the south, not
only the colored people, but whites of the
mountain regions. His address was largely

192

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

along the line of education, not only in the
south, but also in the north, where back in the
country they appear to have little interest in
life. He gave many pathetic incidents show-
ing the need of a larger outlook for these
people, that they might have a more abund-
ant life.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The pulpit was draped with the Stars and
Stripes, and beneath the memorial window
were the national colors. About the pulpit
were tastefully grouped a profusion of ferns,
daisies, apple blossoms and other early flowers.

A large congregation was present at the
morning service to listen to the former pastor,
Rev. Dr. A. R. Olney, whose pastorate of
twelve years was one of the most successful
in the history of the church.

Before the sermon, pastor Arthur T. Young
read the following letter from Rev. Dr. Tully,
who is living at Media, Pa. Dr. Tully is more
than ninety years of age, and altho retired
from the ministry, teaches a large Bible class
every Sunday.

"Rev. A. T. Young:

"My Dear Brother — I extend to you and the good
people of Ballston Spa my warmest greetings, and
I wish I could be present on the 23d instant, and
call to remembrance the former days. I am spec-
ially happy in paying my respects to the present
residents of the beautiful town of Ballston Spa, so
young -and fair as a centennarian. It fills me with
delight that the churches are taking such an inter-
est in her celebration. The churches, with all their
imperfections, are still the salt of the earth. If
these churches had been in the cities of the
plain in the time of Lot the cities would have
remained to this day. I rejoice that the civil au-
thorities among you had the wisdom to ask the
churches to unite in the celebration. I shall pray
for the peace and prosperity of Ballston Spa, on
the 22d-25th days, inclusive, 'The Lord bless you
and keep you. the Lord be gracious unto you, the
Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon you
and give you peace.'

"The Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa was
under my care as pastor from October, 1856, till
the autumn of 1866. It was small and not very
harmonious. We were providentially brought to-
gether by my classm.ate and predecessor. Rev. Na-
thaniel B. Klinck, who had fallen on the icy street
and broken one of his limbs. He invited me to
come and preach and administer communion. After
the morning service, the friends of the pastor asked
me to preach a peace sermon in the evening, which
I did, from Eph. vi:ii, 12. It was a carefully pre-
pared sermon which I had preached to two war-
ring churches at Windsor, N. Y. The peace did

not last many months, for the pastor resigned and
went to CaHfornia. They gave me a unanimous
call at $700, without a parsonage, and a fine field
for much hard work. Mr. Philip McOmber, a good
elder, being sheriff and jailor, gave me the use of
the jury room for a study when the court was not
in session. There was not a house to rent in town.
After a careful survey of the field by pastoral vis-
itation, I organized the forces for work. A mid-
week prayer-meeting was started, and a ladies'
society. Both were successful. The ladies' ob-
jective was a parsonage, for Mr. Samuel H. Cook
had said to me, 'We may as well have no church
as be without a parsonage;' and I replied, 'We can
soon get one.'

"The parsonage was bought and paid for in six
months' time. We next started two mission Sun-
day schools, one in a boardinghouse near Mr. Cook's
cotton mill on the flats ; and the other at Factory
Village. Mr. Cook became the superintendent of
the one near the mill, for which he afterwards built
a frame chapel for its Sunday home, near the cen-
ter of the town. I superintended the one at Factory
Village, taught a Bible class, and preached a brief
sermon in the afternoon of the Sabbath. This gave
me three services on the Sabbath, but I was young
and strong, and I enjoyed the work, for in those
days I hardly ever knew what it was to be tired.

"The work went on gloriously. Conversions were
frequent. In 1857 the church was greatly quickened
and revived. Mr. Samuel H. Cook was one of the
converts, and that meant much for the Presbyterian
Church in Ballston Spa. Mr. Cook was a thor-
oughly consecrated man, an earnest worker, and a
liberal supporter in many ways.

"When I was elected to the Chaplaincy of the
77th N. Y. Volunteers, in 1861, I asked to be re-
leased from the pastorate, and a leading democrat
moved that I have a leave of absence for six months
as Wm. H. Seward thought the war would last only
three months. I remained with the army of the
Potomac till after the seven days' battle before
Richmond ; and while absent in the camp I wrote a
weekly letter to some member of the session to be
read at the prayer meeting, which kept the prayer
meeting full both in numbers and interest.

"Death twice entered my home while pastor at
Ballston Spa, and while the sympathy of the church
was warmly expressed, there were two sisters, Mary
and Charlotte Williams, who were to my beloved
wife veritable ministering angels. When in 1868 I
was called to Belvidere, N. J., and domestic reasons
rendered it absolutely necessary to break the bond
of love that bound us happily together for a decade
and I bade my beloved flock at Ballston Spa good-
bye with the deepest regret.

''The ten years which I spent in Ballston Spa were
among the most eventful of my life. 1^ should have
mentioned to the praise of God's grace that the
church was greatly revived in 1864-5, arid quite a
number added to the church on confession of faith.
I ought to have given credit to Samuel Cook also
for the free use of Waverly Hall for church services
while the church building was undergoing repairs.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

193

"And now may the Lord bless and prosper you
more abundantly under the ministrations of one
who will always be Young. Be ye steadfast, always
abounding in the work of the Lord.

Yours in labor and toil,

David Tully."

Dr. Olney preached a very practical ser-
mon, taking his text from Numbers, xxiii, lo,
"Let me die the death of the righteous, and
let my last end be like his."

At the afternoon service Rev. W. T. Dor-
ward gave an interesting address.

fruits ye shall know them." At the close of
the sermon, Mr. Hall said : "You owe a debt
to those who have fallen in the present century.
In the centuries to come, you will be known
by your fruits. Our temples, our works will
be the proof. We will bear such fruits in
our lives as to make it worthy of our very
best service so that next century there will
be a better, truer and nobler people here in
order that there may be progress and eman-
cipation."

■■MONUMENT SQUARE/

Mr. George D. Raymond sang with fine
effect a tenor solo, "I heard the voice of
Jesus say."

METHODIST CHURCH.

Rev. W. W. Cox, of Valley Falls, who was
pastor of the church in 1898 preached at the
morning service, taking his text from the
eighth verse of the first chapter of Exodus :
"Now * * * there are kings over Egypt
whom you have not chosen."

At the evening service Mr. John Keyes
sang the fine baritone solo "Beyond the gates
of Paradise." Rev. Charles L. Hall, a former
pastor, now of Cohoes, preached the sermon,
taking for his subject "Wherefore by their

After the services the former pastors were
greeted by their many friends very cordially.

CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The services at St. Mary's Church both
morning and evening were attended by con-
gregations which filled the large church. At
the morning service Reverend Father Mc-
Donough gave a historical sketch of the
church, and spoke interestingly of the cen-
tennial.

At the evening service a very cordial
greeting was extended to Reverend Father
John F. Lowery, D.D., of Troy, one of the
first pastors of the church. Father Lowery's
address was of a reminiscent character. He
said:

194

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

"It is right and just that we should at all times
and everywhere give thanks to Thee, Oh Eternal
Lord, Almight}' Everlasting God !

"These words my dear brethren, of the Preface
of the Mass, give expression to the sentiment which
fills our hearts at this centennial time, for as the
church says in her sublime preference that we
should always and everywhere give thanks to God
our Lord, certainly at this time, it is eminently
proper that our hearts should go out in grateful
recognition to the God of our fathers. Indeed the
very thought, that we are celebrating the centen-
nial of this old town, is enough to make our blood
leap; is enough to make our hearts throb with in-
tense joy; for to each and every one of us the
festival of the centennial of this village awakens
ten thousand memories. We think of our gray
haired fathers who have gone before us ; of our
mothers" faces which never lacked a smile; our
lovers, our sweethearts, brothers and sisters, and
our dear friends, many of whom now sleep in silent
graves. And while it awakens joyous feelings in
our hearts, yet it touches all the tenderest emotions
of our souls.

"At the celebration of this grand and glorious
festival, the history of one hundred years is in-
volved, the history of dear old Ballston, the history
of our race and our religion, everything perhaps.
The history of our families and our own individual
experiences. All these things are bound up with
the memories which thrill our souls on this great
centennial festival. It is thus eminently proper
that at this time we should give public expression
to the joy that we feel and to the gratitude which
we entertain in our hearts to the God of our fathers,
for all the blessings which he has showered upon
us as individuals and as a community, for God has
not forgotten to be gracious to Ballston, nor has
God forgotten to be gracious to you and yours dur-
ing these hundred years. And well may the public
of Ballston say that to all, without regard to creed
or opinion, without regard to shades of politics.
Well may they celebrate the glorious memories
which leap up on every corner, at every spot of
ground at this most happy time. There are none
of us, my dear brethren, to whom this festival of
the centennial of Ballston does not appeal with
special force. We rejoice with all our fellow citi-
zens at all the graciousness of God for the blessings
which he has scattered over this village since the
day it was born until the present hour, and give
thanks to Thee, oh God : thou art always the same.

"So the children of Ballston from far and near
come up to their Jerusalem, and the village opens
all her gates to all her children, as this church opens
her doors to welcome back her children from north
to south, and east to west, to the home of their
childhood and youth : and the village of Ballston
listens in her gray hair and rejoices and exults
when she meets and greets her children, coming
from near and far. So wherever you go and meet
a Ballstonian. black or white. Protestant or Cath-
olic, Democrat or Republican, there you meet a
man who rejoices with all his fellow citizens, a man
who is prepared to celebrate a centennial. And so

it is my dear brethren that all the children of Balls-
ton rejoice in their hearts. We are all happy when
old mother Ballston puts on her gay dress and
seems proud, and greets her children, as, when the
Crusaders saw the spires of Jerusalem, they re-
joiced. So on this day the children of Ballston
everywhere rejoice and exult as they behold the
old town, and they come back to it with an un-
speakable emotion, and in this joy, my dear breth-
ren, I share most heartily, for I am one of the old-
est priests that ministered to you in the days gone
by, and forty years ago this morning I celebrated
high mass in the old church on Church street.
Forty years ago to-day. If there be any here who
knew me then as a boy priest, I greet them in my
old age, and may God have mercy on the souls of
all the faithful who have departed. We all need to
rejoice at all the blessings that God has poured
forth upon us in the building up of the village of
Ballston. In all the higher walks of life the Cath-
olics of Ballston have stood foremost in law, finance,
in medicine, in business. All and every profession
of life has seen the Catholic element in Ballston
doing their share, and standing first and foremost
when the country was in danger, when the rebels
sought to tear down the flag, then the Catholics of
Ballston showed their courage by shedding the last
drop of blood in its defense. There is every rea-
son why St. Mary's congregation should rejoice
in the celebration of this great centennial festival.

"The old church still remains, the old church in
which I preached my sermons. It was builded
strong and stout by Father Cull. It is here to-day,
moved from its old site by your present beloved and
distinguished pastor, smiling and opening her
arms to receive everybody — the City Hall of Balls-
ton you might say. Surely my dearly beloved, the
time is full of memories for 3'ou and yours. Surely
you have reason to rejoice in all that has made
Ballston beautiful and prosperous. You have rea-
son to be glad. It is right and just that we should
everywhere and at all times and especially at this
centennial time, give thanks to thee. Lord God
Omnipotent Father, Eternal God. The Catholics
of Ballston unite with their fellow citizens. They
are proud of their own history here.

"The first mass that was said in this village of
Ballston, was probably said in the old Sans Souci
hotel by the peer and friend and adviser of George
Washington, Archbishop Carroll, the first Arch-
bishop of America. The first bishop consecrated in
America, the father of the American hierarchy, in
all probability offered up the sacrifice of the mass
in that hotel over a century ago, and then it was
that the waters began to be famous, and the great
.Archbishop Carroll was among the first to install
the healing properties of your mineral springs.
After that we have no record of mass having been
said in Ballston until the year i83'4, when Father
Kelly, the father of the Banker Eugene Kelly of
New York City, offered up mass in Ballston. As
this place was not supplied with a regular pastor, it
was supplied from the Saratoga church, and in
1843 Dr. Farley was nominated the first pastor of

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

195

Saratoga, and then began the regular, or I might
say, occasional visits to Ballston.

"Father Farley was succeeded by Father Don-
ahue, and Father Donahue by Father Van Reef,
who afterwards returned to Holland. Father
Van Reef by Father Daly, afterwards of St. John's,
Utica, in 1850, and Father Daly was succeeded by
Father Cull, who built the church in Saratoga, and
built the old church in Ballston, although the peo-
ple worshipped in a house at the foot of Charlton
street until Father Cull built the church. The first
resident pastor of Ballston came immediately after
I left Saratoga. I well remember my visits to Balls-
ton. I had to prepare a class for confirmation and
I have met grandmothers who received their first
communion from me during my ministry here. On
my way to Ballston at one time I remember see-
ing an advertisement on a fence and I approached
it and read :

'To Ballston to Ballston let him go.

Who would be rigged from top to toe

In clothes of faultless make.

Smiles, lovely smiles shall deck

The brow where gloominess is rampant now,

And hope anew shall awake.'

If you want good clothes, go to so and so.

"As I looked at this, I thought it must be an en-
terprising village, and I am quite sure it is an en-
terprising town.

"The first resident pastor was Father McGeough,
who served from 1867 until 1873, and he was suc-
ceeded by Father Bayard in 1873, who remained
until 1878. I remember coming to hear a lecture in
the old church in 1873. In 1878, the reverend pastor.
Father B. J. McDonough, was by Divine Providence
assigned to this Mission, which was then heavily in
debt. From that hour until the present moment,
the benediction of God has seemed to descend upon
this congregation. From that hour until the present
moment religion has flourished in this village. Your
pastor has honored the memory of his predecessors
here. He has built the house of God, and he has
built one of the most glorious churches in the United
States. From Te.xas to Maine, from ocean to ocean,
from north to south, there isn't a village that boasts
of a finer church than St. Mary's. Equipped as only
your pastor knew how to equip it; as beautiful as
a bride, and not only the beautiful church in which
you take such pride, but the parish house and its
beautiful lawns. It fills our hearts with joy. It is
a grand edifice to the village. Well may the people
of Ballston rejoice at the end of the first hundred
years, to have such a glorious church and such a
glorious pastor.

"I did not come to preach a sermon, but rather
to make a centennial address. I say all hail to this
glorious centennial. Thousands and thousands shall
walk the floor of this church in after generations
to bless the memory of the pastor who built it.
Thousands and thousands shall kneel at this altar
rail and they shall bless the memory of the priests
who encircled it. They shall come here to hear the
word of God, and as they listen to it, they shall
be reminded of those who have gone before. We
have here not a lasting city, but we shall look for

one to come. All hail to this glorious Village of
Ballston. May the God of our fathers bless it in
the future with the blessings he has bestowed on
it in the past. May Ballston always be honored by
her children, and may they who come here from
far and near, and from over the sea, return home
full of centennial joy, full of gladness in the pros-
perity of Ballston to-day and in the days that are
to come."

After the evening service the old pastor
held an informal reception at the parsonage
and was pleased to shake hands and converse
with some who had been under his minis-
trations.

MONDAY FRATERNAL DAY.

The work of decorating the village was
not completed until late on Saturday, and
the surprising extent of the decorations could
not be realized until after a tour throughout
the town. Never before in its history has the
beautiful village been so gaily attired. Thou-
sands of yards of bright colored bunting were
used, with the "stars and stripes" largely pre-
dominating over all other devices. There
was scarcely a house or building in town from
which "Old Glory" was not flung to the
breeze.

In the afternoon all the churches, the rooms
of the fraternal societies and clubs, and pub-
lic buildings were opened to the public, and
were visited by large numbers. Committees
were in charge to receive visitors, while sev-
eral served refreshments. Many interesting
meetings of old friends took place at these
receptions.

A most enjoyable feature of the afternoon
was the splendid concert given at the speakers'
stand on High street by Fairman's Boston
Band. An audience of more than a thou-
sand enjoyed the music, which was rendered
in masterly style.

In its evening issue the Daily Journal said :

"Ballston Spa's centennial celebration is now at
its height and a grand and glorious celebration it
is proving. After weeks of enthusiastic effort the
work of the several committees shows in the splen-
did time the people are having, and will culminate
in to-morrow's pageant. Beginning with the sports
on Saturday afternoon, the first day ended with
the re-union on Mohican Hill, attended by three
thousand people. Yesterday all the churches held
re-unions and greeted with pleasure the return of
former pastors. Several of them preached, while
others gave reminiscences of their work here. The
address by Rev. Father Lowery at St. Mary's church
was a noteworthy one, as he was the oldest pastor

196

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

to return to the village, and one of the first pastors
of the church."

MONDAY EVENING.

Meetings were held at St. Mary's Hall,
the Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian
Churches, with a program consisting of brief
addresses, interspersed with vocal and instru-
mental music.

The speakers were Rev. W. Montague
Geer of New York City; Rev. A. R. Olney
of Watervliet, N. Y.; Rev. W. T. Dorward
of Stelton, N. J. ; Prof. George P. Knox of
St. Louis, Mo.; and Judge J. S. L'Amoreaux
of New York and Ballston Spa.

The artists, who contributed most delight-
ful numbers to the program, were Miss Eloise
McKean, soprano, of Round Lake ; the cen-
tennial quartet, Messrs. Ralph H. Davison,
George D. Raymond, Howard Balch and John
Keyes ; violinists, Mr. Walter L. Garrett, of
Glens Falls, and Miss Alma Hayes, of Balls-
ton Spa; pianists, Mr. Edward Tracy and
Mr. Walter Kathan; organists, Mrs. R. L.
Carter, Baptist Church ; Mrs. C. E. Fitcham,
Presbyterian Church ; Miss Lucy Watts,
Methodist Church.

The meetings began at eight o'clock, the
programs being as follows :

St. Mary's Hall — Te Deum, centennial quartet;
address, Judge L'Amoreaux ; violin solo, Mr. Gar-
rett : address. Rev. W. T. Dorward : piano solo, Mr.
Tracy ; address. Rev. Dr. Geer ; address, Prof.
George P. Knox.

Baptist Church — Violin solo, Mr. Garrett; address.
Prof. Kno.x ; Te Deum, quartet : address. Judge
L'Amoreaux; violin solo, Mr. Garrett; address.
Rev. W. T. Dorward ; anthem, choir ; address. Rev.
Dr. Geer.

■Methodist Church — .\ddress," Rev. Dr. Geer; or-
gan solo. Miss Watts; address. Prof. Knox; ad-
dress, Rev. Dr. Olney, Te Deum, quartet ; violin
solo. Miss Hayes: address. Rev. W. T. Dorward.

Presbyterian Church — Violin solo. Miss Hayes ;
address. Rev. W. T. Dorward ; address. Rev. Dr.
Geer; soprano solo. Miss Eloise McKean; address,
Prof. .Knox ; Te Deum, quartet ; address, Rev. Dr.
Olney.

Hon. John H. Burke presided at St. Mary's Hall;
Walter H. Wiley at the B.iptist Church ; Irwin Es-
mond at the Methodist Church ; Burton D. Es-
mond at the Presbyterian Church.

The address of Judge L'Amoreaux was a
very comprehensive, but necessarily brief
history of the work of the churches during the
century. He said :

"Mr. Chairman and Fellow Churchmen : It was
peculiarly appropriate that the public observances

of this centennial occasion should begin with the
commemorative services held yesterday in the
churches of our village. For Christianity and civi-
lization arc inseparably united. Destroy the
churches whose numberless spires point heaven-
ward all over this great and enlightened country,
and the boasted civilization of the twentieth cen-
tury would ere long place proud America on a
level with the effete nations of the East, which are
just now .-iwakening to a higher civilization under
the benign influences of Christianity.

"The first white owners of the land, comprising
the old Ball-town district, recognized the truth of
these statements by a gift of five hundred acres of
land to Rev. Eliphalet Ball, for whom our village
is named, a stern old Puritan of the Presbyterian
faith, as an inducement for him to settle a colony
of his parishioners from Connecticut, within the
grant. They knew that 'stated preaching' by an
earnest clergyman of their faith was the strongest
incentive that could be offered to the descendants
of the Puritans from the land of Knox to induce
them to emigrate to the 'new country.' Eliphalet
Ball was a scholar of extensive acquirements, and
a Christian of exalted piety, well fitted to lay the
foundation of a new community. Twenty families
of his flock follovifed Elder Ball, and the rude log
meeting house they erected near the outlet of Balls-
ton Lake was the first house of worship in Sara-
toga county. This early church has maintained its
organization to the present time, and is known as
the Presbyterian Church of Ballston Centre.

"In the few minutes alotted to me, I want to
speak to you briefly of our village churches, and
their far-reaching influence for good, which is not
bounded by the narrow limits of our corporation.

"The Baptists were the pioneers in the village,
organizing their church here in 1791, and a few
years later building their first meeting-house in
the northeastern part of the present village cem-
etery. The first pastor was Elias Lee, 'a man of
great piety and religious enthusiasm, and a preacher
of tremendous power.' He was pastor of the church
for twenty-nine years. Among the strong men who
have served this church as pastor were Norman
Fox, William Groom, William O. Holman, W. T.
C. Hanna and G. G. Johnson.

"The next church instituted in the village was
the Episcopalian in 1810. Rev. Joseph Perry was
the first pastor, and among his successors appear
such names as Dr. Bahcock, rector for twenty years ;
Drs. Geer and Carey, Bishop Worthington and Drs.
Delafield and Pelletreau.

"The first pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Dr.
Samuel Irenaeus Prime, became one of the leaders
of that denomination, and as editor of the New York
Observer for forty years, wielded a mighty influence
for righteousness all over the land. The names of
Drs. Chester, Tully. Mattoon, Olney, Hayt and Tel-
ler recall the fruitful labors of these zealous min-
isters of the gospel.

"The 'circuit rider' of the Methodist persuasion.
with his saddle-bags well supplied with Bibles and
tracts, following close upon the trail of the first

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

197

settlers, was always ready to preach, pray or ex-
hort, in the log cabin, the barn, the school house or
wherever opportunity offered, and he will ever re-
main a blessed memory of pioneer days. The re-
cord of the work of these faithful ministers is lost
to us, but the good results of their labors can be
found in every community. Of the Methodist pas-
tors of our village we recall Drs. Robinson, Fox,
Squires, Loomis, Coleman, now president of a west-
ern university; Stevens and Barrett.

"The name of Havermans is a precious memory
to the Catholics of this whole region. With his
home in Troy, Father Peter Havermans paid frequent

Hiro Jones, Edward W. Lee, E. R. Schureman,
Amos Hewitt and Joseph Horr. ■

"In the Baptist Church were such devoted lead-
ers as Samuel Garrett, Deacon Grossman, Anson
Garrett, Russell P. Clapp and Deacons Stillwell,
Wiley and A. J. Grippen.

"Among the Episcopalians were Lebbeus Booth,
James W. Horton, John H. Westcot, Wheeler K.
Booth, S. B. Medbery, John Richards and B. F.
Baker.

"In the Methodist ranks we find Calvin Calkins,
Ebenezer Jones, Samuel Hicks, M. J. and W. J.
Esmond, Joseph L. Weed and Ira Tucker. If time

BALLSTON SPA HOTELS— 1907.

pastoral visits to Ballston Spa. He had the true
missionary spirit, and was not content until he
had instituted a church of his faith in the village.
Fathers Cull, McGeough and Bayard were the pred-
essors of Rev. Father McDonough, who for nearly
thirty years has faithfully shepherded his flock
here.

"The roll of Christian workers is not confined to
the ministerial profession. Hear what Dr. Prime
said of his first elders: 'The first elders of the
church were Henry Doolittle, David Cory, Samuel
Benton, Jonathan McBride and Isaac Nash. They
were all good men, and they loved their church as
they loved an only child, and all gave time and
labor most freely to it. The affection which they
showed to me, their boy pastor, was something
wonderful. They bore me on their hearts, and
would have carried me back and forth to church in
their arms if it had been needful.' In later years
among the faithful workers were Samuel H. Cook,

would permit the roll could be continued almost
indefinitely.

"And what have these Christian forces accom-
plished through the years of the past century. Their
influence for good down through the one hundred
years of our village life cannot be measured in
words. But is this all? Has this ennobling in-
fluence been limited to the narrow confines of this
immediate locality? No! a thousand times no I
Albert Whiting, a Ballston boy, a member of our
Presbyterian Church, goes as a Missionary of the
Cross to the interior of China, and carries the civi-
lization and Christianity of his homeland to that
great heathen nation. Famine and disease come to
the district in which he labors, and in ministering
to others his own life is sacrificed. A martyr hero
for his faith.

"Fred Wiley, known to most of you, gives up
home and kindred and friends, and in far-off India,
with its swarming millions, with his faithful wife

198

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

he labors to bring to that people the blessings of
Christianity and our Western civilization.

"And Dr. Mattoon, after a life of mission service
in Siam, returns to become pastor of our Presby-
terian Church for a few years, and then takes up
his missionary work again among the colored peo-
ple of the South, as president of Biddle University,
where he ends a long and useful life.

"And so, through these consecrated men and
many others, the life of Ballston Spa, its Christian
civilization and uplifting influence, reaches out across
seas and continents, and links itself to that other
life of the far Eastern countries, and as time
marches on the seed thus sown shall result in a
glorious harvest of higher civilization and nobler
Christian living.

''In closing, let me take you back for a moment
to the very begining of missionary work in this
part of the countrj'. Back to the middle of the
seventeenth century, when the celebrated Jesuit
father, Isaac Jogues, founded the 'Mission of the
Martyrs, St. Mary of the Mohawks,' among the In-
dians of that tribe of the Six Nations, whose favorite
hunting grounds were along the Kayaderosseras,
and in this immediate vicinity. Faithfully the good
father labored among the savage tribes, but not-
withstanding his self-sacrificing efforts, he was
tortured until life was nearly extinct, and driven
from the country. He persisted in returning to
his labor of love among the savage aborigines,
although fearful that his life would pav the
forfeit ; and his fears were well founded, for he
was treacherously slain, and his body thrown into
the Mohawk River. Father Jogues was a finished
scholar, of rare talent, and in every way fitted for
a brilliant career; 1)ut he had chosen another work,
that of an humble, self-sacrificing missionary of
the cross. And so it has been down through the
ages, in every country, and every clime, on our
Pacific coast, among the savages of the far West,
and wherever the foot of civilized man has trod,
among the pioneers will be found the priests of the
Catholic church.

".\nd in the days to come, our village, our
churches, you and I, each have our part to perform
in the great work of word-wide evangelization,
which shall bring all peoples, of every race and
color, to a truer, and nobler conception of the
brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God."

Rev. W. T. Dorward, of Stelton, N. J.,
former pastor of the Baptist Church, was a
delightful speaker and interspersed his re-
marks with many an amusing story, but all
had a point in them tliat applied most aptly
to what he wished to illustrate. He spoke on
"The Absent Sons and Daughters," and
among other things said : "Why not think
for a moment of these absent sons and daugh-
ters of Ballston Spa who are scattered over
this broad land. Doubtless they would be with
us this evening if they could and are thinking
of us. Let us think of these absent .sons and

daughters who are doing their part nobly and
well in their various professions. Let us ask
them the cause of their success? Those who
have succeeded are they who have faced the
difficulties and taken the bull by the horns.
They are successful because they had energy,
the power to make things go, the power to
take hold, hold on and never let go."

Mr. Dorward related an incident when his
little son on being required to sleep in the
dark remarked, "God will take care of us in
the dark, won't he, papa, and then in a
whisper, Did you lock the door?" He drew
a lesson from this by saying, "Let us pray
for protection, but continue to lock the door
against anything that will mar the fair name
of Ballston." In closing he said, "The secret
of public speaking is said to be 'get up boldly,
open your mouth widely and sit down quickly'
which I will now do."

Rev. Dr. Olney, former pastor of the Pres-
byterian Church, was heard with pleasure at
two of the churches. He gave no regular ad-
dress but what was perhaps to many of his
hearers just as pleasing, told stories, and gave
a number of reminiscences of his life in this
village.

Rev. Dr. Geer from his remarks at the last
place where he spoke evidently enjoyed the
experience of relay meetings as he called
Ihem. He said he had had a novel experience
in being taken about in an automobile just as
though he was running for sorne exalted
office, and that it was an experience he would
not forget.

Dr. Geer spoke on the need of moral and
religious training for the young and mentioned
the fact that when he was young the parish
schools gave that training as part of the edu-
cation. He deplored the fact that moral and
religious training had practically been put
out of the public schools. "We all deplore
the fact," said Dr. Geer, "but do not know
how to remedy it. We are robbing the Christ-
ian child of his Christian heritage and rob-
bing the Hebrew child of his Hebrew herit-
age. To what do we owe the fact that there
is an enormous increase in juvenile crime in
the L^nited States? To what do we owe the
fact that the divorce courts of the country
are grinding out a product that is poisoning
the family life and robbing the children of
their God given right of a home?"

He then spoke of the conditions of life in

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

199

the cities for young men and women saying-,
"We owe a duty to our young women. We
are sending these girls into the dusty arena
of business life, where they must inevitably
sustain close relations with men, and with
men who are not known to their parents. We
should provide conditions that will make their
lives as safe and pleasant as possible."

In closing he touched on the continual vio-
lation of the law by the saloon keepers saying,
"They should obey the law and if the laws do
not suit them go to Albany and have them
changed. If they will not obey the law they
should be compelled to. I am proud that you
are doing something in that in this village."

Mr. Knox spoke of how glad he was to
get back to Ballston each summer, and that
his pride in the old home town was great. He
paid a glowing tribute to the natural beauty
of the place, especially mentioning the trees
as its chief glory.

He said that the magnificent elms which in
places completely overarch the streets are
fully worthy to be called "cathedral elms."
He spoke of the dearth of large trees in the
newer sections of St. Louis and how every
tree should be prized and safeguarded.

Mr. Knox called attention to the fact that a
person can travel the world over and find but
very few localities where the mineral effer-
vescent spring water can be found in the
quality and quantity that it is in this village
and vicinity. Continuing, the speaker made'
a strong plea for the preservation and active
maintenance of the mineral springs here in
the town. If the present demand for the
water is so slight as to make it a losing venture
for the individual then the community should
by some fair and acceptable arrangement se-
cure ownership or control of the springs and
then maintain them as a legitimate and neces-
sary part of the business of the village corpor-
ation. The springs should each be made ac-
cessible, rendered attractive to visitors, all at
the town's expense if the individual owners
found the burden oppressive. It is as reason-
able and as wise an expenditure on the part of
the village as the care of the streets or any
other public property, being administered by
the public for the public good without asking
whether the immediate and direct returns were
forthcoming. The best business advertise-
ment this village could make lies in its trees,

its springs, its streets and its beautiful homes
and public buildings, for these are the things
which inevitably attract visitors.

Continuing his remarks the speaker made
an earnest and eloquent appeal for civic zeal
and patriotism. He pleaded for activity, pro-
gressiveness and integrity at the present mo-
ment as being the key to the future; that
just as our present conditions are the direct
and inevitable result of the efforts put forth
in the years that are past so we now hold the
key to the future prosperity of our beautiful
village.

Mr. Knox spoke in high terms of the hon-
esty and integrity of the officials of the vil-
lage, and insisted that it is the duty of every
citizen to be active in the care of the welfare
of the town.

The village papers said of these meetings:

Daily News : "The chain of mass meetings in
connection with Ballston Spa's centennial celebra-
tion was an important feature of Monday's pro-
gram. The feat of giving the program in four places
was successfully accomplished by the literary com-
mittee. The speakers and musicians were whirled
from place to place in automobiles. Each one was
allotted ten minutes and if the speaker heard the
chug-chug of the auto, he might well know that
his time was nearly up and that he was due to
move in short order."

Daily Journal : " 'Relay meetings,' as one of the
speakers on Monday evening termed the centennial
meetings, held at the four separate places, proved
an unqualified success. The speakers were brief,
.racy) and profound, and at all times interesting.
The program was arranged in a manner so that all
the meetings were continued with only slight waits
while the speakers and musicians were carried in
automobiles from place to place. Two large autos
were used and it must certainly have been :i very
novel experience for all of those who took part in
the program. The musical part of the program was
exceptionally fine. Mr. Garrett, of Glens Falls, and
Miss Alma Hayes, of this village, gave a number
of fine violin solos, while numerous selections were
sung by the male quartet composed of Messrs. John
Keyes, Ralph Davison, George Raymond and How-
ard Balch. National anthems were also sung by
the choirs, which were heartily joined in by the
audiences."

TUESDAY CENTENNIAL DAY.

The parade in the forenoon was the most
magnificent pageant ever witnessed in the vil-
lage. The semi-centennial of American In-
dependence was observed in Ballston Spa July
4, 1826, and the parade on that occasion was
the only one in the history of the village that

200

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

has approached the centennial parade in mag-
nificence and appropriateness. To the honor
of the village let it be said that the two most
notable events in its history were observed in
a manner so entirely in keeping with the his-
toric events commemorated.

The addresses of President Wiswall, Judge
L'Amoreaux, Gen. Horatio C. King and Col.
William L. Stone were admirable in their
character, and eloquent in their delivery. The
centennial ode by Rev. Howard B. Grose,
D.p., was a splendid production, and on oc-
casions of this character, has rarely been
equalled for literary merit, and excellence of
delivery.

THE PARADE.

The parade fonned with the right of the
line at High and Ballston streets, and ex-
tended south on Ballston to IMcMaster street;
through McMaster street to Church avenue;
north on Church avenue to High street, and
east on High street to the end of the line,
and was more than a mile in length.

Gen. John B. Babcock, U. S. A., (retired)
was Marshal of the Day, assisted by Tames
J. O'Brien as Chief Marshal, in immediate
charge of the parading column, and Assistant
Marshals James E. Conner, George T. Cun-
ningham, Morris Dower and Henry Lewis.

The formation of the line was as follows:

FIRST DIVISION.

Marshal— James J. O'Brien.
Assistant Marshal— James E. Conner.
Aids— Fred West and Arthur Tracy.
Platoon of Police
Officers Buckley, Parks. Deming, Thomas, Mc-
Carthy, Steenburg.
Doring's Band, of Troy, 35 pieces

*^°" \}}\^--?- ^- ^■' °f Saratoga Springs, Capt.
Walbridge m command with 65 men.

CARRIAGE DIVISION.

President I. W. Wiswall and Gen. Horatio C. King.
Village Trustees.
Former Village Presidents.
Parade Committee,
aergymen of Village and Visiting Qergymen, Su-
pervisors Saratoga County. County Officer's
Members of Post McKittrick and Visiting Veterans.
Old Residents.
Old Cannon.
Centennial Float— Teaching the Coming Generation
Officers of the W. C. T. U.

SECOND DIVISION.

George T. Cunningham, Assistant Marshal.
Aids— John Redmond, Walter Furlong.

Citizens Band of Ballston Spa, 25 pieces.
Eagle Fire Company, drawing Hose Cart, Foreman

Rooney in command, with 25 men.

Hose Cart Union Fire Company drawn by horses.

Union Fire Company, Foreman Frank Holmes in

command, with 28 men.

Hook and Ladder Cart drawn by horses.

Matt Lee Hook and Ladder Company, Foreman

Frank Byrne in command, with 20 men.
Old Stage Coach with Senior Class of School.

THIRD DIVISION.

William Dower, Assistant Marshal.
Aids— R. L. Carter and W. J. Hopkins.
Luna Park Police.
Fairman's Band of Boston, Mass., 24 pieces.
Delegation of fourteen Conductors and Motormen
of Schenectady Railway.
Local Union Stationary Firemen, 30 men in line,
Charles Coleman, president, led by Miss Ina
Wood on horseback, and Charles Cole-
man and John Bowen, as mascots,
leading the horse.
Carpenter's Union, 50 men, with Charles Baker

in command.
Paper Maker's Union, 36 men with Francis R.

Holmes in command.

E. M. Brown Rifle Corps, H. D. Davenport in

command.

Knights of Pythias Float.

Spinning Wheel Float.

Lady Maccabee Float.

Rebekah Float.

FOURTH DIVISION.

Henry Lewis, Assistant Marshal.

Aids— Dennis Tracy and Daniel Fagan.

Centennial Drum Corps.

Italian Society Vittorio Emanuelo HL with

Thomas Rae in command and 32 men.

Union Bag and Paper Company Float

American Hide and Leather Company Float.

Pioneer Paper Mill Float.

CARRI.'\GE DIVISION.

There were thirty carriages in the line,
formed in the following order:

Speakers' carriage— Village President Irving W.
Wiswall, and the orator of the day, General Horatio
C. King, of New York.

Village officials— Trustees William S. Waterbury,
Hugh S. Finley, Clerk William H. Sherman, Former
President Abijah Comstock. Second carriage, Trus-
tees George W. Miller, John Corning and Leander
Spicer.

Former presidents— Alfred N. Wiley, Charles O.
McCreedy, Stephen C. Medberv and Douglas W
Mabee.

Parade committee— Irwin Esmond, Daniel Fur-
long, Charies H. Grose and Walter H." Wiley.

Prominent residents— Andrew S. Booth, Thomas
Kerley, James W. Verbeck and Prof. George Piatt
Knox.

Clergymen— First carriage, Rev. B. J. McDonough,
Rev. Father Mulligan and Rev. Father McLaughlin,

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

201

of Saratoga Springs and Mr. James V. Dower. Se-
cond carriage, Rev. W. T. Dorward, Rev. H. S.
Rowe, Rev. Arthur T. Young. Third carriage. Revs.
W. T. C. Hanna and A. B. Potter and Messrs. A.
Fairweather, of Troy, J. W. Smith, of Waterford.

Supervisors — First carriage, Charles M. Davison,
Saratoga Springs; S. H. Ellithorpe, Edinburgh;
Charles H. Carr, Wilton. Second carriage. Chair-
man A. G. Deyoe, of Northumberland; Thomas
Finley, Milton ; Clerk John B. Smith and Assistant
Clerk George Smith. Third carriage, Fred Ruback,
Galway ; C. S. Latham. Greenfield ; W. H. Allen,
Halfmoon ; Orange E. Kathan, Day. Fourth car-

Henry Marcellus and H. A. Smith. Eighth carriage,
Elliott G. Reid, Albert J. Reid, James Reid and S.
W. Horning. Ninth carriage, Seth Hill, Braman
Ayers, G. H. Dingman, R. C. Green and Lewis
Shonts. Tenth carriage,. C. W. Berger, G. W. Pea-
cock, Wm. L. Towle.

Old Citizens — First carriage, Nelson L. Roe, Sam-
uel McGuire, John Aumack, Ephraim Webster.
Second carriage, James L. Briggs, George W. Clark,
James F. Peckham and Robert Tarrant

Visitors — First carriage. Sheriff John Bradley,
James B. McKain, Thomas W. Winney, George H.
West, Thomas F. Barrett. Second carriage, Le-

"MILTON SQUARE."

riage, John Cole, Waterford; Elmer E. Baker, Sara-
toga ; John Washburn, Moreau ; William P. Jeffords,
Providence. Fifth carriage, John C. Baker, Still-
water; Charles L. Brooks, Edinburgh; George F.
Turpit, Malta ; George L. Cavert, Ballston.

Visiting officials — Surrogate W. S. Ostrander,
Former Sheriff E. J. Caldwell, Stephen Lee and
Hon. C. R. Sheffer, of Mechanicville.

Post McKittrick and Visiting Veterans — First car-
riage, Commander A. J. Freeman. Adam Niles, .\. J.
Carter and G. D. Story. Second carriage, Henry
Lowry, Christian Frear, John O'Brien and Joel
Streeter. Third carriage, John Spatehouse, James
Hand, Moses Laque and James Condren. Fourth
carriage. Rev. Asher Cook, A. Bennett, John Shaff
and G. Grovesteen. Fifth carriage, George W.
Gardner, Alexander Morrison, Thomas Jennings and
Wallace Morrison. Sixth carriage, A. Mead, P. B.
Vixon, Charles Spiegel and Andrew Merrithew.
Seventh carriage, George Washburn, Ira Groot,

vinus Lansing, Norman W. Kelso, Hiram Haight,
Frank Gick.

W. C. T. U.— Mrs. A. E. Hall, president; Mrs. C.
Garling, vice-president; Mrs. M. Newkom, secretary;
Mrs. M. Garrett, treasurer.

FLOAT DIVISION.

The centennial float was unique and very
prettily decorated with American flags, tri-
colors and bunting. It represented a teacher
instructing a class of pupils in the history of
centuries gone by. In her hand she held a
modern history, while grouped around her
were the scholars listening attentively to her
lecture. The sides of the float bore the date
1807-1907 and this inscription: "Teach the
coming generation the history of our past."

202

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Miss Clara Ham was the teacher and the
pupils were Mary Flynn, Pauline Feeney,
Helen Thoma and Katharine Reilly.

Another village float was the spinning wheel
float. This was decorated in a similar man-
ner as the former, the costumes heing in
keeping with fashions of the olden days. The
Misses Mildred Arnold and Agatha Shaeffer
represented the spinners and were busily en-
gaged with their wheel, spinning the flax.
William Jones was the driver.

The most elaborate of the floats was the
one representing Hermion Lodge, No. 90,
Knights of Pythias, George West Uniform
Rank, No. 19, and the Pythian Sisters. It
depicted a scene in the story of Damon and
Pythias. The King sat on his throne sur-
rounded by Pythias, Calanthia, the betrothed
of Pythias: Damon, his wife and child, the
senators and the executioner. The picture:
Pythias offering himself as a hostage to Da-
mon, his friend. The characters were as fol-
lows: King Dionysius, Willard W. Brown;
Pythias, William Parker; Pythias' betrothed,
Mrs. R. L. De Long; Damon, Walter Gled-
hill; his wife, Mrs. Braman Avers; his child,
Gladys Crippcn ; IVLister at Arms, Harry
Painter; attendants to King, H. C. Strube,
Henry Ferris; senators, John Niles, A. T-
Merriam, George Avers, James Ckite : ex-
ecutioner. E. M. Scribner; Roman soldiers
leading the horses, Henry M. Crippen, Wil-
liam T. Gray. George Tibbetts and Jonas
Smith. The costumes were very gorgeous,
and correctly represented the magnificence of
the early Roman era. The float was drawn by
four iron gray horses decked in Roman horse
trimmings.

A very attractive float was that of the Re-
bekahs. L O. O. F. The decorations corres-
ponded to the scene which was a representa-
tion of Rebekah and her attendants at the
well. On pennants at each corner of the float
were the bee hive, dove, moon and stars, the
emblems of the order. Miss Anna Finnemore
represented Rebekah; the banner bearers were
Mrs. D. N. Hammond, Mrs. George DeCora,
Miss Ada Miller, Miss Celia Castle: the staff
bearers Pearl L'Amoreaux, Ethel Earl, Jennie
Siemer, Sophia Beek, Hilda Boocock, Edith
Finnemore, Lelia Johnson, Elsie Arnold.

The order of Maccabees was represented
by a float, handsomely decorated and present-

mg a fine appearance. In the centre of the
float, was a perfect representation of a large
bee hive, about which there were bees about to
enter. The banner bearers were Laura Part-
ridge, Ethel Van Alstyne, Nellie Herald;
standard bearers, Marion Rockwell, Eleanor
Baker, Mary Jones, Gladys Foote; driver of
team, William Mould.

The two largest industries in the village
were represented in the parade. The Union
Bag and Paper Company by a float illustrat-
mg their productions from nature's tree to
the manufactured paper bag. Displayed on
the float, which was finely decorated, were
the pulp wood, the manufactured pulp and
the paper bag. Misses Mabel Coleman and
Anna Kyack handed out souvenirs of small
paper bags all along the line of march.

The float of the American Hide and Leather
Company displayed a variety of leather from
the crudest tanning to the most highly finished
product, made for the occasion by James
Painter. The float was decorated with a pro-
fusion of American flags and a design of an
American Indian and a bull's head. Misses
Jennie Denn, Anna Mav Fisher, Josephine
Denn. Lcona Mae Tabor, Esther Ryan,
Katharine Doherty, Flora Flinton and Helen
Harrison, in appropriate costume, added
beauty to utility in the representation.

The Pioneer Paper Mill was represented by
a handsomely decorated float, showing the
process of paper making. The passing of the
paper through the machine, and winding into
rolls ready for shipment was very ingeniously
represented. The occupants of the float were
E. Butler, D. Hunter and R. Morrissey.

LINE OF MARCH.

The line of march was from Ballston street
to Bath street, to Front, to Milton avenue, to
Middlebrook street, to South, to Milton ave-
nue, to Pleasant street, to Beach, to High and
westward on High street to Bath street, where ■
the parade was dismissed. i

When the right of the line reached the re- "'
viewing stand in front of Christ Church
parish house on High street, the parade halted,
and President Wiswall, General King, and
the occupants of the carriages occupied the ■{
platform, while the parade passed in review, "
amid continuous cheering and applause.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

203

NOTES OF THE PARADE.

THE BANDS.

Doring's Band, of Troy, which is famous
throughout the United States, and which is
one of the oldest, as well as one of the best
military bands in the country, was very ap-
propriately given first place in the line. This
Band was organized by the late Charles Bor-
ing more than half a century ago, and is now
led by his son, Professor George Doring.
Thirty-five men were in line, and their mag-
nificent playing was greeted with heartiest
applause all along the route of the march.

Mr. Edward F. Peck, Manager of the
Schenectady Railway, and Mr. George E.
Gill, of Luna Park, contributed liberally to
the parade by sending a platoon of Luna Park
police, fourteen conductors and motermen of
the Railway Company, and Fairman's Boston
Band, which headed the Third Division. This
was the Band which gave the splendid con-
cert Monday afternoon, and their playing
during the march was very fine.

The Citizens' Band of Ballston Spa, with
twenty-five men, led the Second Division.
No doubt the occasion and their home pride
inspired them to do their very best. They
played in splendid style, and were generously
applauded.

The Centennial Drum Corps of Ballston
Spa furnished martial music for the Fourth
Division in spirited and admirable style.

INTERESTING FEATURES.

The mode of travel in by-gone days was
illustrated in a unique manner by the old
post-coach "Rambler." More than sixty years
has passed since William Gilson, of Galway
village, first drove this old coach, then one of
the finest in the land, from Galway to Balls-
ton Spa. Well does the writer recall with
what interest the boys of old Galway watched
for the daily return of the stage-coach, with
its splendid double team of bays, heralded by
the strident tone of the stage-horn half a mile
away. Gilson was the typical stage-driver of
early days, good-natured, easy-going, and
with a fund of local anecdotes that beguiled
the two hours' journey, including the stop at
Speir's Corners to change the mails. A
worthy successor was "Marve" Chase, who
drove the old coach some thirty years ago.
The coach was occupied by the members of

the senior class of the High School, Misses
Aileen Reilly, Helen Clements, Mary Van
Buren, Ruth Neal, Anna Bush, Edith Eede,
Nellie Anderson, Arabella Fuller, Frances
Finley, Messrs. Wyatt Pickering, Joseph
Humphrey and Henry Humphrey.

The E. M. Brown Rifle Corps attracted
considerable attention, and elicited frequent
applause. This company of thirty children
were from the Chatfield Corners district school
in Greenfield, and their ages raged from five
to sixteen years. For some time they had
been drilled by "Drummer Boy" Davenport,
of that town, who claims the distinction of
having been the youngest soldier in the civil
war. Clad in an attractive costume and car-
rying model rifles the children went through
a number of evolutions in fine style and with
admirable precision.

Company L, of the Second Regiment, New
York State Militia, of Saratoga Springs,
under Captain John K. Walbridge, had the
post of honor at the right of the line. The
soldierly bearing and fine marching of the
Company was greeted with salvos of applause
as they marched through the crowded streets.

Our "fire laddies" showed they had not
forgotten the skill in marching movements
which has won for them many prizes in drill
contests. Three times they have been pro-
claimed the champions of the State. As they
marched by in military formation, or drawing
their hose carts, they received an ovation at
every point.

Fully ten thousand people witnessed the
parade as it passed through the streets of the
village. It was a good-natured, happy
crowd, and no disturbance or disorder of any
kind marred the jollity of the passing hours.
Even the thunder storm did not dampen the
jubilant spirit of the great concourse of vil-
lagers and the village guests.

Misses Josephine and Nora O'Rourke of
Saratoga Springs and Miss Mabel Gleason of
Mechanicville. showered the carriages contain-
ing the trustees with flowers as the parade
passed. It was a very pretty conception. The
Misses O'Rourke are nieces of Trustee Miller.

The Ballston Journal speaking of the parade,
said :

"Old Sol was on duty early yesterday morning
and by the time the parade had formed had sent the
thermometer dancing up into the nineties. It was
a warm reception he gave both the visiting and local

204

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

companies, so that by the time they had reached
their position in the formation they were glad to
take refuge under the shade of the large elm trees
that lined the streets. If he had only continued to
do duty for an hour longer instead of allowing
Jupiter Pluvius to get in his innings all would have
been forgiven. All is well that ends well, and the
parade was a success in spite of the heavy thunder
storm that marred a portion of it, and disappointed
some of the watchers along the line of march.

"It was a sight not soon to be forgotten by those
who viewed the parade on Front street and Milton
avenue. Both streets were packed beyond the curbs
with thousands of spectators and as the companies
marched past to inspiring music of the bands, with
the gaily decorated buildings, hardly anything more
pleasing from a spectacular point of view could well
be imagined.

"At eleven o'clock the formation of the line was
complete and Marshal O'Brien gave the word to
Capt. Walbridge, of Company L, and headed by
Boring's band the parade started from the corner
of Ballston and High streets.

"Owing to the fact that the owners of the auto-
mobiles said it was impracticable for them to keep
in the line and run at slow speed for so long, it
was arranged for them to go over the line first.
About twenty autos, occupied mostly by young
ladies, went rapidly over the line prior to the reg-
ular parade.

"It was very much regretted by everybody, and
perhaps more so by the children, that the pupils of
the village schools were unable, on account of the
thunder storm, to take their appointed part in the
parade. To save the little ones a long march, it
was arranged for them to assemble at the Bath
street school and fall in line as the parade reached
Van Buren street on Milton avenue. The children
fell in line at this point as arranged and marched
to the north end when the storm caused them to
take refuge in the South street school and houses.
Only a small portion of the town thus had the
pleasure of seeing the children in line."

It is an interesting comparison to note that
in the semi-centennial parade in 1826, forty-
three years after the close of the war, thirty-
seven veterans of the Revolution were in the
line. In the centennial parade of 1907, forty-
two years after the close of the civil war,
forty veterans of the war of the Rebellion
were in the line.

THE ADDRESSES.

At half-past two o'clock the Revolutionary
bell hanging in the tower of the Parish House
of Christ Church summoned the people to
the crowning event of the Centennial Cele-
bration.

When the exercises began, with a selection
by Doring's Band, five thousand people had

assembled under the arching elms at the in-
tersection of Milton avenue, Church avenue.
High and Low streets. The speakers' stand
was erected immediately in front of the Parish
House, which was originally built for a State
Armory, and tlic headquarters of the old
Twenty-ninth Regiment of the State Militia,
and is one of the old landmarks of the village.

IK\ i.vr, W. WISW.\LL.

Village President Irving W. Wiswall gave
the address of welcome, saying:

"Ladies and Gentlemen : The Village of Balls-
ton Spa, extends its welcome and greetings to this
vast concourse of people assembled here to-day.
Centennial greetings come to us only on rare oc-
casions indeed. An hundred years, by far, exceeds
the lifetime of the oldest resident in this com-
munity. In this great Empire State of ours there
are but a half dozen villages that can proudly claim
to have experienced a rounded century of munic-
ipal government.

"The celebration which we have inaugurated and
are now carrying forth, is not only to com-
memorate, but to sanction and confirm the wisdom,
of those hardy pioneers, who chose this beautiful
valley, and amid these picturesque hills, as a fitting
and proper place, to establish a little village settle-
ment, where churches could be erected, school

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

205

houses builded, temples of justice reared, and where
the tradesman could exchange his wares for the
products of the farm and factory.

"And thus it was in the long, long ago, that our
forefathers, recognizing and appreciating the beau-
ties with which Nature had endowed this spot, and
having almost Divine faith in the medicinal merits
of the waters which flowed from its springs, cast
their lot in this place, and hewed out the forests,
blasted away the rocks, made crude roads, and con-
structed their primitive houses, and then, after all
this was done, they took upon themselves tlie more
serious question of Government. Realizing that
Law and Order are the very foundation of society
and that some form of local government was nec-

save of Almighty God; men and women to whom
discouragement and terror, were strangers; men and
women who surmounted each obstacle as it appeared,
who were daunted by nothing, and in whose breast
at all times beat a heart filled with love of Country
and of God.

"These, then are the men, and these are the
women, whose memories, whose acts and whose
deeds we are celebrating to-day. And who is there
here, in this great multitude assembled, who belongs
to and is a citizen of this old historic locality, who
is not proud that he cSn trace his ancestry back to
those worthy yeomen who composed the very back-
bone and sinew of our Country an hundred years
ago?

LHRlbl CllUKCII HIGH STREET. ' PARISH HOUSE.

The Centennial Exercises were held here, the speakers' platform being in front of the Parish House,

essary, they met in serious deliberation at old
Brookside, one hundred years ago, and then and
there, formed the same village government, that we
the citizens of Ballston Spa delight to honor, and
to be honored by her on this joyful occasion.

"The Valley of the Kayaderosseras has always
been of historic importance. It was the much prized
and coveted hunting and fishing ground of the early
tribes of Indians. And the many raids and massa-
cres made upon the first settlers, attest to the stub-
bornness and tenacity of the Iroquois, in their loth-
ness and unwillingness to surrender their favorite
hunting ground. The local histories of Stone, of
Walworth and of Sylvester, contain the recital of
many stirring scenes of bloody contests, which oc-
curred in this vicinity between the Indians and the
early settlers during the last quarter of the eight-
eenth century.

"As we recall the struggles and hanlships pf those
men and women, who became the first citizens of
our village, and the country round about Ballston
Spa, it fills us anew with patriotic impulses and
civic pride, to feel and to know, that our forefathers
were of that sturdy, rugged type, that knew no fear.

"Let us all feel proud that we are American cit-
izens, and live in a country whose richest heritage
is the patriotism of her citizens and whose choicest
gift to her people is the freedom and liberty which
is a part of the birth-right guaranteed to every
American born citizen.

".Again, let me extend to you all the hospitality
which our fair Village can ofifer. May you feel that
you are among your friends to-day and that the
latch string hangs out for you everywhere.

"Our one regret is, that the great and good Gov-
ernor of the State of New York could not be with
us to-day. It is to him a very great disappointment,
that the unusual condition of State affairs, make it
imperative that he remain at the Capitol to-day.
But he personally delivered to me this message:
'Give all the people assembled at Ballston Spa my
love and affection, and tell them I regret very much
I cannot be with them much as I would like to do
so." So Governor Hughes is with us in spirit at
least, and let us be thankful that we have this great
manly man at the helm of the executive affairs of
the peerless Empire State.

"Now, wishing you all joy and happmess, and

206

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

extending to you, our neighbors and friends, the
best wishes of all our citizens, I take very great
pleasure in presenting to you, as the President of
the Day our most distinguished townsman, who has
won eminence in the legal world, both at home and
abroad, the Honorable Judge L'Amoreaux."

BALLSTON SPA IN HISTORY.

In taking charge of the exercises Judge
L'Amoreaux received a very cordial greeting.
His address was a comprehensive history of
the village, with sketches of its noted men.
The address follows :

"The gracious and kindly words of the President's
introduction and welcome will be treasured as a
pleasant memory of this very pleasant occasion.

HON. J. S. L'AMOREAUX.

"The speaker is under obligation to various per-
sons who have aided him in the collection of facts,
the ground work of to-day's remarks. To all such
his thanks are extended.

"We are here to-day to celebrate the one-hundreth
anniversary of our municipal existence. Our people
have come from different sections of this great coun-
try to revisit the scenes of their childhood, to renew
old acquaintances, or to recall their labors and suc-
cesses while they were citizens of Ballston. To one
and all Ballston extends to you a hearty welcome.
Every house is hospitable, every heart is warm, and
every hand outstretched in its cordial welcome.

"And it is well to recall the past, to review the
progress of a century. To be reminded how this
village mirrors in itself the progress, the success,
and the wealth of the great nation. What our
fathers and our neighbors have done here, the citi-
zens of the United States all over this vast country
have done, and we have had our share in building
up this great and prosperous nation.

"Behind this century, and largely moulding it,
were the struggles and wars of the eighteenth cen-

tury, the contest with the Indians, and the Mother
country. These troubles, privations and conflicts
made the men who have contributed so largely to
the wealth and grandeur of the United States.

"Much as we may, and ought to deprecate war;
much as we may, and ought to pray for peace, and
do all in our power to preserve it, nevertheless, it
is beyond contradiction that the perils of many
years of Indian warfare, the privations, the heroism
of the Revolution, and the sacrifices and bloodshed
of the Civil War, have done much to toughen the
fiber, to give endurance and nerve, and persistence
to the people in time of peace and business activity.
The men who learn to suffer are wise and strong
in building business enterprises, in consolidating
great commercial interests, in financing great com-
binations of capital, in building railroads, canals,
steamships, telegraphs.

"One can scarcely, even with vivid imagination,
place himself a century ago in the environment of
that age. With no railroads, with no telegraphs,
with no steamboats, — for Fulton had but just per-
fected his invention, — with miserable roads, with
no postal conveniences, with little means of com-
munication with the outside world. In such a
condition a community must, of necessity, grow its
food, produce and manufacture its clothing, and be,
in almost every way, dependent upon itself for
every necessity and comfort of life. The capitol of
the State was but a few miles away, and yet, in
that day, a hundred years ago, doubtless many were
born and have died here, who never traveled so far
from home as to Albany, and had but small idea
of the outside' world, and never dreamed of the
wonders that steam and electricity were to pro-
duce in a short century.

"To rehearse the story of these hundred years, to
review the mighty events which have made and pre-
,served us a nation, is more interesting and thrilling
than the most popular romance. Out of this very
soil, as it were, these things have grown, the years
as they have come and gone, have woven the fabric
of the present, and the labors, and privations and
tears of our fathers and neighbors, have colored
this fabric with its beautiful and variegated hues.

"In the constant onward march of the years, which
knows no backward step, but ever moves on and
on to the end of the ages, we halt for a brief mo-
ment at this close of century of village life, to re-
call memories of the past, — to bring to our remem-
brance the men who have trod the stage of action —
and to review the scenes and incidents which have
contributed to the record of our historic life.

"A hundred years is only a leaf from the book of
time, yet what marvellous changes have been
wrought in a little more than a century past.
Where this beautiful village now stands, with its
pleasant homes, its thriving industries and busy life,
was then a primeval forest ; the favorite hunting
ground of the tribes of the Six Nations; the 'happy
valley of the healing waters,' which, to the un-
tutored Indians were the especial gift of the Great
Spirit. The axe of the pale-face had not been laid
to the root of the grand old monarchs of the woods.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

207

and 'when the autumnal glories had fallen upon
the forest,' and the tribes took to the old trails
whicli led to the hunting grounds around the
springs in the valley of the Kayaderosseras, no
warrior's hand brandished the tomahawk or drew
taut the bow-string except as the frightened deer
bounded across the trail, or the fierce grizzly con-
tested the woodland path. The 'valley of the crook-
ed stream' was neutral ground, and through the
brief Indian summer, on lake and stream, and in
the forests depths, all was peace— and at the close
of the hunting season, well-laden with their spoils,
Mohawk and Oneida, Iroquois and Algonquin— took
the homeward trail, and the 'Indian's Paradise'
was left in quiet solitude until another twelve moons
should come and go.

"But the advent of the pale-face was at hand. In
the summer of 1771 a little company of surveyors
halted in the noon-day heat, on the brow of the hill
yonder, not a thousand feet from where we are
standing. Looking down through the giant pines,
they saw the sparkling water of a small stream as
it flowed across the Indian clearing at the foot of
the hill. Hurrying down to the bank of the stream,
they discovered the ancient Indian spring of 'heal-
ing water.'

"Beriah Palmer, who was in charge of the party,
built a rude enclosure of logs around the spring, to
secure it from the inroads of the creek nearby.
Palmer was from New York, and when he returned
to that city in the autumn, he told of his discovery
of the medicinal spring. ■ It was this circumstance
which led to the settlement of Ballston Spa.

"For a number of years, however, no one 'settled'
near the spring. Numerous parties visited the local-
ity, camping out near the spring, or stopping with
the settlers a mile or more to the south. After
the close of the Revolutionary War the visitors to
the spring rapidly increased in number, and about
the year 1787, a log tavern was erected on the hill
about where the surveying party halted years be-
fore, and a second log tavern was built just west
of the spring. A few years later this primitive
hotel gave place to a large frame building, later
known as the Aldridge House, and now known as
'Brookside.'

"The same year, Nicholas Low, a New York
merchant, also built a large hotel east of the spring,
and a small hamlet called Ballstown Springs sprang
up in the immediate vicinity. The fame of the
springs as a summer resort spread abroad, and in
1804 Mr. Low opened the Sans Souci Hotel to the
public. It was the largest and finest hotel in the
United States, and in succeeding years entertained
such noted men as Jerome Bonaparte, ex-King of
Spain. Presidents Jackson, Van Buren and Pierce,
also Clay, Webster and Calhoun, three, great and
inseparable names in American history; Governors
Clinton and Marcy, General Wool, Commodores
Hull and Decatur, J. Fenimore Cooper and Wash-
ington Irving, Seward, Douglas and Prince Louis
Napoleon, the last Emperor of France. In fact, the
old register of this famous hotel was a most com-
plete roll of the great names in those early days
of American history. Numerous mineral springs

wtre developed, and Ballston Spa was at the zenith
of its renown, and for a quarter of a century main-
tained its proud position as the 'first watering place
of America.' From some unknown cause the
springs began to fail and the rival village to the
north soon gained the first place, and Saratoga be-
came, and is to-day one of, if not the, most famous
summer resort in the United States.

"The location of the county seat in the village
in 1816, gave political pre-eminence to Ballston Spa.
When its fame as a watering place began to de-
cline, attention was turned to the splendid water
power afforded by the Kayaderosseras. Manufac-
tories were built in the village and all along the
stream for twelve miles to the north, and the in-
dustrial prosperity of the village, more enduring
than its earlier fame as a summer resort, was
secured, and to-day our thriving, happy village is
one of the great industrial centres of Northern New
York.

"Having thus briefly sketched the settlement and
growth of the village, let us now recall memories
of honored citizens who served well their day and
generation and have left to us a noble heritage.
First among a long line of prominent public men
stands John W. Taylor, whose home was on West
High street, not far from where we are assembled.
In 1812 and '13 he was a member of the state as-
sembly, and in the latter year was elected repre-
sentative in Congress. During his long service of
twenty years in the House, he gained national celeb-
rity as a brilliant orator and statesman, and one of
the leaders of public opinion. A contemporary of
Webster, Calhoun and Clay, he succeeded the latter
as speaker of the House, and has the distinction of
being the only representative of the Empire State
who has occupied the third position in our national
government. Mr. Taylor delivered the first speech
in Congress in opposition to the extension of slavery.
It was a powerful and eloquent address, foretelling
the dangers which threatened the government from
'that blot on the nation's escutcheon— the slave sys-
tem of the South.' The speech was printed arid
widely circulated, causing heated discussions in
many localities. The most popular citizen in all-
this region — in frequent demand as the orator on
public occasions of every character, yet, with all the
honors which came to him, lie remained a modest,
courtly gentleman of the old school. Fond of his
home, his garden and flowers — deeply interested
in the life of our village — the organizer and
teacher of a large adult Sunday school class — and
having a part in every movement for the benefit of
his home town, Mr. Taylor was highly esteemed by
all who knew him, and was frequently spoken of as
Ballston's first citizen.

"Another honored citizen who became distin-
guished in public life was James M. Cook. A mem-
ber of the Constitutional convention of 1846, he was
one of the leaders of that eminent body, which was
styled 'the collected wisdom of the state.' .\s state
senator for several terms: state treasurer; state
comptroller, and superintendent of the state bank-
ing department for a number of years, he served
his constituents and the state at large, with signal

208

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

ability. He organized the first bank in the village,
and was its president for twenty years. He was
also one of our leading manufacturers, and con-
tributed in no small degree to the prosperity of the
community.

"Joel Lee, one of the earliest residents was twice
elected to the assembly; postmaster for thirty-six
years, and a leading merchant for half a century.
James \V. Horton, a name familiar all over Sara-
toga county, was for thirty-nine years county
clerk, holding the office at the time of his death.
Neil Gihnour, school commissionet, and for nine
years state superintendent of public instruction.
Isaiah Blood, manufacturer, state senator and as-
semblyman ; George W. Chapman, canal commis-
sioner and assemblyman ; George West, manufac-
turer, assemblyman and representative in Congress ;
George G. Scott, judge of the county courts, state
senator, assemblyman and supervisor for nineteen
years ; John W. Thompson, surrogate twelve years,
and bank president for forty years.

"A long list of men distinguished for high char-
acter and marked efficiency. Successful in their
private business, faithful in the discharge of public
duty, their names are held in honored remembrance.

"No less honorable and distinguished have been
the members of the legal profession. Time will
permit only the briefest mention. From the earli-
est days to the present time we recall the names of
Samuel Cook, Levi Palmer, Anson Brown, Wil-
liam A. Beach, born in Ballston Spa, a leader of
the bar of the United States ; a pleader and an
orator of rare gifts, who had few equals. William
T. Odell, district attorney ; George G. Scott, county
judge; John Brotherson, Seth Whalen, C. C. Hill,
David Maxwell, John C. Booth ; T. F. Hamilton and
John Person, district attorneys — all men of more
than ordinary legal attainments, and highly re-
spected as citizens.

"Among the physicians, who enter more closely
into the home life of a community than the mem-
bers of any other profession, have been Samuel
Freeman, John H. Steele, A. J. Chadsey, Qiarles
Andrus, Leverett Moore — for more than half a
century the leading physician of our village; Drs.
No.xon, Sherman, Weed and Lawrence.

"In the sacred calling of the ministry are such
distinguished names as Elias Lee, Norman Fox,
Elias H. Johnson, professor in Crozer Theological
Seminary ; Samuel Irenaeus Prime. David Tully,
Drs. A. R. Olney and S. A. Hayt; Bishop Worth-
ington, Drs. Babcock, Geer, Delafield and Pelle-
treau ; Drs. Robinson, Squires, Loomis, Coleman,
Washburn, Russum, Zweifel, Smith and Hall;
Fathers Havermans, Cull, Lowery and McDonough.

"And among the members of the press, who have
done much to mould the character of our village
life are James Comstock, Ulysses F. Doubleday,
Horatio Gates Spafford, the eminent historian,
and Henry L. Grose, for forty years editor of the
Ballston Journal, one of the oldest of our institu-
tions, having celebrated its centennial nine years ago.

"We should be remiss did we not mention Balls-
ton's celebrated schools of earlier years, before the

present system of high schools had been inaugu-
rated.

"Rev. Darius O. Griswold, Lebbeus Booth, Rev.
Deodatus Babcock, and sons, John and Theodore, '
John W. Fowler, the brilliant lawyer and founder *
of the National Law School in the old Sans Souci; '

James Gilmour, Nathaniel J. and Charles D. Seely, '
were men eminent in their profession, of broad cul-
ture and great learning. Their schools were nota- i
ble for thoroughness and efficiency. I

"And so I might continue almost indefinitely,
but I must forbear, simply mentioning the names
of some of our most prominent business men which
are entitled to a place in our village 'hall of fame.'

"Beginning with the incorporation of the village,
and continuing down through the years we find the
names of Epenetus White, the first merchant in the
village; Joel Lee, Moses Williams, Reuben and John
H. Westcot, EH Barnum, Archy Kasson, Joseph
Jennings, the McMasters, James Merrill, Joshua B.
Aldridge, Samuel and Andrew Smith, Reuben
Sears, the Allcott brothers, S. B. Medbery, Edward
W. Lee, Lemet Williams, W. K. Booth, A. D. W.
Garrett, L. W. Bristol, Samuel Gould, C. M. No.xon,
H. Crapo, Arnold Harris, William Brown, C. F.
Wiley. W. A. Laflin, O. D. Vaughn, James F. Peck-
ham, W. W. Arnold, John Wait, Samuel H. Cook,
Jonas A. Hovey, Eli Settle, Hiro Jones, John Mc-
Lean and the Luthers — but I must refrain, though
the roll is far from complete.

"Before introducing the orator of the day, per-
mit me to refer to some events worthy your atten-
tion. Since 1807, remarkable discoveries have been
made, and the last one hundred years may very
properly be called the wonder-century of the world's
history.

"Others may speak of the marvellous deeds of
this marvellous age — may I recall some occurrences
of local interest? The second railroad in the state
was built from Schenectady to Ballston, and the
third from Troy to Ballston, the first railway train
arriving in the village in 1832. Prior to that time
two lines of post coaches, one to Albany and one
to Schenectady carried the thousands of summer
visitors to Ballston and Saratoga.

"In 1853 the first telegraph office was opened,
and the Ballston Journal said : 'With proper en-
couragement on the part of our citizens the office
will be sustained, and may even be made profitable.'
The first paper bags were made in this village, and
the first paper collars and cuffs were made by L.
M. Crane, who lived here, his mill being located
about two miles north of the village.

"Timothy Bailey, the inventor of the knitting
machine, which revolutionized that business, was
one of our respected citizens.

"The telegraph instrument in universal use to-
day and which supplemented the original Morse
machines, was the invention of our townsman,
Samuel F. Day, who also discovered the method
of telegraphing with safety during thunderstorms.

"The first machine for making paper bags was
invented in our village, and the first machine
for combining paper with cloth was the invention

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

209

of one of the proprietors of the Glen Paper Collar
Company of Ballston Spa. The first household
clothes-wringers were made in West Milton and
sold in Ballston Spa.

"In the never-ceasing activities of our business
life; amid the scenes of festivity; or in the more
quiet pleasures of the home circle, has the patriotic
spirit of our people lain dormant? Far from it — let
the record of the years make answer. In Revolu-
tionary times, surrounded by tories and no less
hostile Indians, who threatened the widely scattered
cabin homes of the hardy frontiersmen, many loyal
men joined the patriot forces in the field, and those

as a testimony of the loyalty and devotion of Balls-
ton's patriotic heroes.

"A peculiar honor fell to our village in the fol-
lowing incident, eloquently told by another: 'When
treason was sprouting forth in its first uprising at
Charleston, an officer of the United States Army
walking boldly forth in the streets of that city, with
a proud manhood that should give everlasting honor
to his name, denounced it openly and bravely.
Gladly he answered the call of duty to his flag and
his country. The firing upon the flag at Fort Sumt-
ter found him at his post ; he fired the first gun in
the defense of the Union and the flag; and this was

".\ BOWER OF ELMS"— HIGH STREET.

who remained were to be found enrolled in the
Committee of Safety, ever watchful and prompt to
defeat the disloyal schemes of their traitorous neigh-
bors, and aiding by every means in their power the
cause of liberty.

"Again in 1812, Ballston hears its country's call,
and many of her noble sons march to the conflict.
And in 1847 a heroic band of young men from our
village join the forces of Scott and Taylor in
Mexico; and in yonder cemetery an imperishable
monument erected by our citizens, perpetuates the
memory of those who found a soldier's grave on
the battlefields of Vera Cruz and Churubusco.

"And in that tremendous conflict between North
and South, which was to make our country the land
of the free in very deed as well as name — the
Civil War of '61 to '65 — more than two hundred
brave boys marched forth from our village in de-
fense of the Union, and the splendid monument in
the heart of our village shall stand through the ages

a son of Ballston — born in yonder house near the
Sans Souci — General Doubleday, then captain of
the First Artillery of the United States Army sta-
tioned at Fort Sumter. Honor to Doubleday —
honor to Ballston.'

"And once more, when war was declared against
Spain, for the liberation of Cuba, 'the pride of the
Antilles,' from centuries of oppression, honor comes
to our village through one of her brave sons.
Among the company which in 1847 joined the United
States Army in Mexico, was William H. McKittrick,
and when President Lincoln called for volunteers
in '61, McKittrick was one of the first of Ballston's
young men to respond to the country's call. He
lost his life gallantly leading his company to the
assault, in the battle of Chapin's Farm, in Virginia.
Here, in his home, hii= widow and a young son and
a daughter survived. A mere lad at the time of the
Civil War, Will McKittrick. grown to man's estate,
is commissioned a captain of volunteers on the stafi

210

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF DALI.STON SPA

of Major-General Shafter, and bravely bears his
part in the battles around Santiago ; and when vic-
tory perches upon our banners, it is Captain Mc-
Kittrick's hand which hoists aloft for the first time
on Cuban soil, the stars and stripes over the gov-
ernment building in Santiago.

"Once more honor comes to a Ballston boy, and
to Ballston Spa, as 'Old Glory' proudly waves in
the breeze, proclaiming liberty to a long-suffering
people. And thus it has ever been since that
memorable victory on the heights of old Saratoga
in 1777. The spirit of '76 and of '61 still survives
in the heart of every loyal American.

"One other reference and I will give way. Balls-
ton Spa has witnessed other centennials within its
borders. The centennial of American Independ-
ence in 1876: of Christ Church in 1887: of the
Baptist Church in i8q!, and of the Ballston Journal
in 1898. The most celebrated of all was the semi-
centennial of American Independence in 1826.

"Hon. John W. Taylor delivered the oration on
this occasion, and I find no more fitting words with
which to close than the words of that distinguished
statesman, Ballston's illustrious son, as he finished
an oration remarkable for its choice rhetoric and
eloquent periods. Mr. Taylor said :

"I should illy requite the breathless attention of
this crowded audience were I to weary it with de-
tails of those facts which compose our -history. But
before I close, permit me to add that as citizens of
New York we have especial cause for gratitude and
joy. At the adoption of the Federal Constitution
this State was inferior in political power to three
members of the Confederacy. It was equal only to
the fourth. Her population and wealth have long
since placed her at the head of the union. The
successful application of steam, to the purpose of
navigation, and the construction of the Erie and
Champlain canals, which have illustrated her an-
nals are events too immensely important to our na-
tion and to the world to pass this day without hon-
orable mention. These monuments, the glory of
our state and of the age, conquering time and an-
nihilating space, will remain while the elements en-
dure, diffusing unnumbered blessings to the human
race. The men whose genius planned : whose in-
tellect directed; whose perseverance accomplished
them, have earned a most enviable fame. Their
names will be transmitted to posterity high on the
roll of public benefactors. What though our poli-
tics have been termed ferocious, and the fluctua-
tions of our parties derided ! What though slanders,
propagated by some in error, by others in design,
occasionally assail our public men, and may for a
time diminish confidence in their talents or integrity.
These partial evils, perhaps necessarily incident
to our free institutions, are but the spots on our
sun's disc, which, unseen or disregarded by the
myriads who rejoice in its li.ght and are warmed
by its beams, subtract little from its matchless efful-
gence. But the public works of our State, the mag-
nificent metropolis and flourishing villages, her
ever multiplying institutions for charity, for science,
for the arts, for social improvements, 'these,' in the
language of a living statesman, have gone on, are

going on, and I trust will go on, in the attainment
of these great objects of social organization."

"the st.\r spangled banner." I

\
At the conclusion of Judge L'Amoreaux's

address a chorus of one hundred and fifty '

children from the public schools, under the

direction of Mr. Edward F. Grose, and ac- i

companied by Doring's Band, sang "The Star

Spangled Banner." It was a beautiful thought

to have the children take part in the exer- 1

cises, and their clear, sweet voices rising in

the patriotic strains of the national anthem

gave added inspiration to the occasion.

THE ORATION.

President L'Amoreaux then introdticed
General Horatio C. King, of New York City,
who delivered the Centennial Oration. IMr.
King spoke as follows :

"Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : — Civic
pride is the basis of good government. 'It's a mean
bird that fouls its own nest' should be posted over
the portals of every legislative body and hung on
the walls of every public office. 'The safety and
perpetuity of a Republican form of government rests
solely upon an honest administration of public
affairs. The rapid iiicrease of graft bodes ill for
the Nation, and the necessity for a higher standard
of civic morals is too manifest to require argument.
Honesty in commercial affairs is everywhere de-
manded, and the man who robs and cheats 'lis neigh-
bor, even if he escapes the penalty of the law, is
speedly ostracised and driven from the marts of
trade. Strangely enough, the high standard of
morality demanded in private transactions does not
seem to be required in public office and hundreds
of men who have successfully filched from the pub-
lic til! are still sustained by partisan followers who
have been or expect to be recipients of political
favors. The City of Dublin proposes to extend the
great honor of the Freedom of the City to a self-
exiled satrap of New York City, a sudden multi-
millionaire, who has never yet been able to answer
the potent and pungent question, 'Where did you
get it?' The revelations of the past few years have
astounded the world and the end is not yet. The
Mayor of San Francisco is convicted of black-mail,
and his maker, and confederate, a political boss is a
self-confessed extortioner, while a large number of
hitherto respected and influential citizens have been
indicted as wholesale bribers to secure public fran-
chises. The State Capitol at Harrisburg will stand
as a perpetual monument of swindling that make
the New York County Court House and Bill Tweed
shrink to pigmies in comparison. Buf' these cases
are not exceptional. Scarcely an important city
throughout the United States is free from the
plunder of unprincipled men, who, while they would
scorn to steal from their neighbors, are conscience-
less in their larcenies from the public funds. Vast

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

211

corporations bribe legislative bodies and municipal,
to secure unfair concessions, and some have attained
such far reaching power as to defy the law and
practically assume the position of that first great
plunderer, with the query, 'What are you going
to do about it?' Political parties, especially in great
cities, select for their candidates not men who are
above suspicion, but rather those who are 'avail-
able,' which is interpreted in the political vernacular
to mean those who are vulnerable or ready and
pliant tools of the machine.

"That graft has become so wide-spread is due
to the inertness and non-resistance of the great
mass of the people who happily are still honest.
They stand idly by and suffer the dishonest minor-
ity to continue their nefarious practices until some
great rascality arouses them to action, and when
the explosion is over they again fall back into their
habits of listlessness and apparent unconcern. They
neglect the ounce of prevention w'hich is better than
a pound of cure. These occasional spasms of re-
form are but a temporary check to the encroach-
ments of the undesirable citizens who repossess
themselves of the civic machinery and continue
their nefarious work.

"Happily for the welfare of the nation, the great
crimes against the body politic are chiefly in the
large cities. The country at large is honest. Those
whom the immortal Lincoln was wont to call the
Common People still cherish honesty, not because
it is the best policy but because it is right. Lincoln
said he was sure God must love the Common Peo-
ple, because he made so many of them, and certain
it is that to them we must look in largest measure
for the preservation of those traditions and that
integrity which are the rock of our foundation.
Religion and education are the twin sisters of civ-
ilization, nor can too much stress be laid upon the
former.

"Said Washington in his farewell address, which
though much neglected is still a potent chart for
our guidance : 'Of all the dispositions and habits
which lead to political prosperity, religion and mo-
rality are indispensable supports. In vain would '
that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should
labor to subvert these great pillars of human hap-
piness, these firmest props of the duties of men and
citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious
man, ought to respect and cherish them. A volume
could not trace all their connections with public
and private felicity. Let it simply be asked, where
is the security for property, for reputation, for life,
if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths
which are the instruments of investigation in courts
of justice? And let us with caution indulge the
supposition that morality can be maintained with-
out religion. Whatever may be conceded to the
influence of refined education on minds of peculiar
structure, reason and experience both forbid us to
expect that national morality can prevail in ex-
clusion of religious principles. It is substantially
true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of
popular government. The rule extends with more
or less force to every species of free government
Who that is a sincere friend to it, can look with

inditference upon attempts to shake the foundation
of the fabric?'

"But, why, I hear you say, this seemingly irrel-
evant thesis on public and individual morality? Be-
cause, I answer, I see here a civic pride which
augurs well for the community and the happiness
and prosperity of the beautiful village whose Cen-
tennial Anniversary we celebrate to-day.

"Just why you should send for me, a resident
of the great metropolis, to sound your praises I
am at a loss to comprehend, unless it be that an
innate modesty restrains you from blowing your
own trumpet. Possibly you are not mindful of that
proverb, which I would not care to attribute to Sol-
omon, that 'he who bloweth not his own horn, by no
man shall his horn be blown?' Yet I am sure there
are those of your own residents better fitted for the
pleasant task than myself, nor can I expect to do
more than to present to you a brief summary of a
thrice told tale, so fully and so ably given in your
excellent local papers.

"Saratoga county is probably the most widely
known county in this country, for Saratoga has been
a household word since the important battle of the
Revolution which was the beginning of the end of
the English rule over the Colonies. That battle holds
a conspicuous place in English as well as Amer-
ican History, for it was practically a Waterloo to
British hopes. It was the turning point in the Rev-
olutionary struggle. New York City as well as the
adjacent counties was held by the British troops.
Sir Henry Clinton with a fleet of transports was
about to ascend the Hudson. Another British force
under St. Leger was to land at Oswego and march
down the Mohawk Valley. Burgoyne. covered with
laurels because of his brilliant services in Spain,
with an army of Spanish-war veterans, moved down
the upper Hudson to eflfect a junction with Clinton
and St. Leger. This combined movement it was
expected would crush Gates and terminate the re-
bellion. But Providence favored the coming nation.
Clinton was laggard and St. Leger was held up at
Fort Stanwix by our forces. The undisciplined
Continentals in their ragged regimentals moved out
to meet Burgoync's disciplined regulars and within
twelve miles of this spot on the plains of Saratoga,
they met. they saw, they conquered. The encourage-
ment given to the feeble colonies by this event can-
not be over-estimated. Surely Ballston Spa has a
right to a full share in the glory of this achieve-
ment.

"It is interesting to note here that Saratoga de-
rived its name from a town on the Hudson. Schuy-
lerville. formerly known as Saraghtoga. an Indian
name signifying 'Swift Water' to distinguish it
from the still waters which there begin. The patent
of Kayaderosseras which included this land was
granted by Queen .^nn and contained about 400.000
acres. Under a partition in 1770, the tract em-
bracing the Saratoga Springs fell to Rip Van Dam,
and that at Ballston Spa to Major Bickley. two of
the original patentees.

"Saratoga county for one hundred years formed
a part of Albany county and was set off as a sep-
arate county in 17QT. This w-as once a part of the

212

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

domain of the Mohawk Indians and here, and hear-
abouts many bloody conflicts were had between
that powerful tribe and the Canada or Northern
Indians known as the Hurons, the Algonquins and
the Adirondacks." •

At this point Gen. King gave a brief his-
torical sketch of the village, which is omitted
here. Continuing, the speaker said:

"But I must leave to the historians with more time
and space than can be properly used in an address
of this character the pleasant duty of elaborating
the meagre outline I have given of this delightful
spot, which is an honor to the great Empire State,
whose praises we are happy to sing, and of the great
country of which, although not blind to its short-
comings, we have good reason to be proud.

"No novel ever so stirred the indignation of the
American people as Martin Chuzzlewit. Although
Dickens had ridiculed the weakness of his own
nation and citizens with unsparing and unequalled
pungency, our vanity winced under the lash when
it was applied to ourselves, but the caricature was
not overdrawn, and the reader of that remarkable
novel will enjoy and laugh heartily over the truth-
ful exposition of our national freshness and tend-
ency to boast.

"What are you thinking of so steadily?" said
Martin to Mark Tapley.

"Why, I was thinking, sir," returned Mark, "that
if I was a painter and was called upon to paint the
American eagle, how should I do it?"

"Paint it as like an eagle as you could, I sup-
pose."

"No," said Mark, "that wouldn't do for me,
sir. I should want to draw it like a Bat for its
short sightedness; like a Bantam for its bragging;
like a Magpie, for its honesty : like a Peacock, for
its vanity; like an Ostrich, for its putting its head
in the mud and thinks nobody sees it."

"And like a Phoenix, for its power of springing
from the ashes of its faults and vices, and soaring
up anew into the sky !" said Martin. "Well, Mark.
let us hope so."

The unexampled prosperity of this great nation
in the short period of a century and a quarter of
growth may well turn the heads of the people and
make them shut their eyes to many dangers which
threaten the stability of the republic. With an over-
weening consciousness of the inherent strength of
a self-governing community, as manifested in the
great war, we are prone to stand idly by and permit
the approach and encroachments of evils which, if not
resisted and overcome, will sap the morality and
destroy the life of the body politic. It is all very
well to swell with patriotic pride, wave the Ameri-
can Flag wildly about our heads and shout until
we are hoarse: "We are Americans," but it is
worth while once in a while to subdue our enthu-
siasm long enough to examine the old flag carefully
and see if there are not some spots and blemishes
that disfigure the stripes and dim the lustre of its
forty-five stars.

"Oh, wad some power the giftie gie us
To see ourselves as ithers see us,
It wad frae monie a blunder free us,
and foolish notion."

May we not then with profit spend a few moments
more in contemplating some of the evils which be-
set us?

In the lecture room of Plymouth Qiurch, Brook-
lyn, hangs the portrait of a prominent member, and
framed with it is this autograph letter of the great
English philosopher, Herbert Spencer. It is in re-
ply to a scheme to bring about a better understand-
ing between the capitalists and the workingmen.
He writes in terms ultra-pessimistic but neverthe-
less worthy of the most careful consideration. Here
it is:

Fairfield, Pewsey, Wilts,
May 28, 1864.
Dear Mr. Skilton:

I believe I wished you -good speed in your enter-
prise, but I believe your enterprise is futile. In the
United States as here and elsewhere the movement
towards dissolution of existing social forms and
reorganization on a socialistic basis, I believe to be
irresistible. We have bad times before us and you
have still more dreadful times before you — civil
war, immense bloodshed and eventually military
despotism of the severest type.

Truly yours,

Herbert Spencer.

The two great problems now confronting this na-
tion are the aggressions of greedy and unprincipled
corporations and great combinations of capital, and
on the other hand the tyranical oppression of labor
unions, whose unreasonable demands and reckless
conduct as particularly disclosed in the awful rev-
elations in the trial at Boise City, have brought
shame and reproach upon our fair name. In some
sense the latter are the logical result of the former,
but in this law-abiding and peace-loving country
force is not justifiable and must be suppressed at
all hazards.

The revelations of so-called high finance during
the past j-ear have shocked the moral sense of the
public in the great agregate, for taking the nation
as a whole, the people are honest and they mean
that the ' dangerous few who think money is su-
preme and can do anything shall be taught respect
for law or be treated as common criminals. The
rich man who steals a railroad must fare no better
than the thief who cracks a safe. Indeed, he should
fare worse, since by education and environment he
is better informed and should have a higher appre-
ciation of his duty as a citizen.

The lax corporation laws of some of the states
have made easy robbery of the people by wholesale
issues of watered stock.

The issuing of $75,000,000 of capital stock for
property purchased at $39,000,000, as in t'he notorious
copper scandal, is a pungent case in point. So the
operations in the Chicago & Alton Railroad stock
of recent memory awakened still further the sense
of insecurity which is shaking our financial system
to its very centre. I admire and approve the sen-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

213

timent of the editor of the Norfolk, Va., Pilot, who
declares that, "It was plunder pure and simple and
those who committed and benefitted by it differ from
the ordinary robber and thief only in the size of the
theft."

With these and hundreds of like demonstrations
of the greed of wealth, is it any wonder that there
has been such a marvelous increase in socialism in
the past decade? When Tom Watson ran for Pres-
ident, his small vote provoked only a simple smile.
But the enormous socialist vote at the last Presi-
dential election made a profound impression and
has awakened the sober-minded to the gravity of
the national peril.

of the nation. Labor unions are a moral force that
have greatly elevated the conditions of laboring
men. I differ with them only when they transgress
the law and endeavor to enforce their demands by
mob methods. When they reach this point they are
a menace and must be restrained.

Says Utterman, a socialist editor and leader (by
the way, we find our socialist agitators chiefly
among the foreign imports) : "It is the capitalist
class that incites hatred by vulgar display of wealth
in the face of the suffering multitude. It is the
capitalists class that destroys the homes and families
of the workers and confiscates the property of mil-
lions. It is the injunction, the bullet, the bull pen,

Let me in parssing say, however, that I am not m
sympathv with the reckless attack upon all corpora-
tions because of the venality of a comparatively
few. The recent wholesale reduction of railroad
fares to two cents a mile without proper examina-
tion and careful investigation is a legislative "play
to the galleries," and I am glad our honored Gov-
ernor Hughes had the courage to veto that meas-
ure in our state. Corporations have rights which
the people are bound to respect, and action against
them should follow only the due and orderly pro-
cess of law.

There is still another prominent menace of equal
if not greater import to the welfare and continued
existence of the republic. Of this let me say a
word : ,

Primarily I state that I have always encouraged
combinations of labor, for the betterment of _ the
condition of the laboring men, the bone and sinew

THE IRON- SPRING, DISCOVERED IN 1874.

the police club and the militia laws that speak the
language of hatred and passion." Let me digress
to say that as soon as a socialist lays up enough
money to buy a little home, he ceases to be a so-
cialist. He becomes a capitalist. Such false senti-
ments represent not socialism but anarchism, pure
and simple. They strike at the very foundations
of law and order and would overturn and destroy
all those methods indispensable to peace and the
proper conduct of civil administration. It may be
well, however, to pause for a moment to answer the
charge that the capitalist is the destroyer of hornes
by recalling the fact that in 1890 over six million
families owned their homes, either free of debt or
partially paid for, while in 1900 the number had
increased to over seven and a quarter millions, or
a gain of 1,192,362 in ten years, or at a rate of over
100 000 a year. It is. a rather significant fact also
that on the east side in New York City, the homes

214

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

of wage earners chiefly, one New York piano firm
alone had sold 2,500 pianos on the installment plan.
It is claimed by those well informed that in eighty
per cent, of the leading strikes in this coimtry, the
question was not one of wages and hours merely.
but a demand for the recognition of the union, and
yet only about twenty per cent, of the wage earners
in this land are members of union organizations.

The constitutional right of every man to life, lib-
erty and the pursuit of happiness cannot be im-
peached, and the right of every inan to work for
whom he pleases, where he pleases and for what
he pleases is fundamental and inalienable. It is
the very foundation stone of our republic, and it is
going to be maintained, as was the Union, by force
if necessary. And it will be upheld by the laboring
classes themselves, who are the most deeply con-
cerned in the preservation of their individual liberty.
For those who would take away this inestimable
right are in a small minority, not exceeding twenty
per cent., and the eighty per cent, of law-abiding,
liberty-loving American freemen, slow to anger, will
in due time rise in their might and crush out the
rabid, vicious, turbulent and quasi anarchistic ele-
ment. I think it will be accomplished by peaceable
methods, but if force should be necessary, the na-
tion can look to wage earners to establish their God-
given right, guaranteed by the Constitution.

The attempt to exclude from the unions public
spirited men who choose to serve their state and
nation as members of the National Guard received
a prompt and almost universal rebuke. It served
to open the eyes of the people to the aggressive en-
croachments of labor, and to cause a closer inspec-
tion of the unlawful regulations by which many
of the organizations seek to achieve their ends.
Employers driven into a corner have at last met a
combination by combination, and employees must
recede from their unlawful positions or take the
consequences. The better element, which is in the
majority, must assert their power and put down
the mob spirit. This is the United States of Amer-
ica, in which every man is personally interested in
maintaining good government and the rule of the
majority.

The strained relations between employers and
employees in most of our large cities is most de-
plorable. In San Francisco,, the unions have com-
plete control, capital is diverted and building oper-
ations in a large measure paralyzed. In Chicago
the mob spirit is general, and even the courts are
blocked in their efforts to punish conspiracy, by
the refusal of the officers of labor unions to pro-
duce their minutes and regulations on the ground
that such production would tend to incriminate
them. In a recent editorial the Brooklyn Eagle,
vifhich stands pre-eminent as a fearless denunciator
of mob law, thus sums up the situation: "When
people cannot bury their dead because of a union
of hack drivers, when pickets of unions arc placed
about the tombs, when mourners have to carry
pistols to- defend their lives, when the life of a man
is not safe unless he carries a union card, when a
man who can earn five dollars a day is forced down
to a level with the $2.50 man, and vice versa : when

individual skill is discounted and a dead monotony
of ability, or disability is sought, when law is de-
fied, and the militia, the arm of law, is flouted ; when i
organization of labor has fallen to a mere conspiracy
for graft, we are in danger of being reduced to the '
condition of Australia, where socialism and union-
ism have iinpoverished the land, driven out the best '
people and caused the loss of its commercial su-
premacy." And this leads me to speak of the atti- |
tude of the press — a very considerable portion of I
which fans the flames of discord, and lends en-
couragement to lawlessness. The press is aptly de-
scribed as the palladium of our liberty, and its
freedom cannot be circumscribed. That is the pop-
ular idea and the proper idea within constitutional
limits. But licentiousness and license are not
synonymous terms, and much of the journalism
which is fitly described as yellow, has no proper
place in this republic. Its efforts to create class
distinctions, to array the poor or those of moderate
means against the rich, and to pander to the lowest
passions of the vicious in inciting to hatred and re-
venge, are borne with too much patience by our
law makers and by the public generally. Occasion-
ally the people are aroused to a high pitch of in-
dignation as, for instance, when our latnented Presi- ^
dent McKinley. honored and beloved by all, was as- 'S|
sassinated. The wave of indignation which swept ™
over this country extended even to the remotest
nations, soon to subside without bringing about a
practical result. Congress foamed, fomented, frit-
tered and fizzled. Editors who went into hiding
emerged frotn their lairs in due season and resumed
their insidious work. And the order loving peo-
ple in almost hopeless amazement, cry out on the
streets, "How long ! oh Lord, how long !"

But someone will ask, what remedy do you sug-
gest? I answer in a sentence, a better application
of the great commandment. "Thou shalt love thy
neighbor as thyself." If this be chimerical, then
let the work continue and more generously in the
direction of betterments for labor, better under-
standing between man and man, employer and em-
ployees, and mutual concessions which may be
concluded through the medium of arbitration. One
thing is certain, unionism which backs up its ag-
gressions with dynamite cannot long exist under
Republican skies, nor can it long survive a coali-
tion with socialism and anarchy.

The need of the hour is men. unselfish, broad-
minded, fearless and incorruptible men in every
walk of life. In the stirring lines of Dr. Holland:

"God give us men ! a time like this demands
Great hearts, strong minds, true faith, and willing

hands:
!Men whom the lust of power does not kill,
Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy ;
!Men who possess opinion and a will ;
Men who have honor: men who will not lie.
For while the rabble, with their thumbworn

creeds.
Their large professions and their little deeds.
Wrangle in selfish strife, lo ! Freedom weeps.
Wrong rules the land, and waiting Justice sleeps."

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

215

After a selection by Doring's Band, Judge
L'Amoreaux introduced as the poet of the
celebration, Rev. Howard B. Grose, D.D., of
New York. Mr. Grose read his Centennial
Ode in a very felicitous style, and held the
close attention of the great assemblage.

REV. n. r,. GRKSE. D.P.
THE CENTENNIAL ODE.

BY HOW.\RD B. GROSE.
" I

Fair Ballston, hail! On this centennial clay.
Let heartfelt gladness every bosom sway.
With eager feet thy loyal sons and daughters
Haste home again, to drink thy mineral waters.
Revisit scenes familiar, greet old friends.
For long forgetfnlness make due amends.
Renew old ties, and prove it true
That presence and not distance 'tis that lends
Enchantment to the village and the view.

'Tis well we gather to re-tell

The stories of the bygone days,

While nimble fancy 'round us plays.

.\nd years like morning mists dispel.

Bear with me, then, as with my verse

I bring the poet's laurel bays

And crown the village with our praise.

l\V

ill

lial odes. have, I suppose, their uses,
I'm not quite certain what they ar
also, surely, their abuses.

Centennial oaes.navt;, j =ut>Ht

Altho I'm not quite certain

They may have -'"" >:"rp1v i

are:

If solemn odist carry them too far.
Since most such odes are mournful, I shall scout
'em,

We've all come home to have a jolly time; ^
Poetical rhapsodies— I don't know much about 'em—

I have to offer but a homey rhyme.
The poets, of course, begin with bells wild ringing,

Fond fancies trooping thro' the golden days.
Sweet music swelling, cycles swiftly swinging, _

While nature softly croons her hymns of praise,
.•\nd so they soothe you with their sibilant singing,

.\nd leave you, as to meaning, in a haze.

'Tis easy task to preach to bearded men—

But oh. if we could be but boys again.

With youthful ardor, aims, ambitions, zest—

Of all things possible, that's surely best.

We never lose our hold on life's real joys

While we can love, and live, and play like boys.

Then do not think undignified these fragmentary

rhymes
Which seek to bring us back once more to scenes of

earlier times.

IV
In the days before the White Man
Made this continent his dwelling.
Here where Ballston now is situate
Long the Red Man had dominion.
Favorite hunting grounds of Mohawks,
Here the warriors of the nation
Sought their summer recreation.
Paddling down the Mohawk river.
Thro the Eel Creek to the Long Lake,
(Ballston Lake we know it better).
On whose shores they made encampment.

East Line Corners was the centre
Of their hunting, trapping, fishing.
Favorite hunting ground was Ballston—
Wooded hill and watered valley.
With its clearing by the waters.
Here they fished and trapped and feasted,
Unmolested, save when Hurons
From the north, or Adirondacks,
Swept down on them. Then fierce conflict.
Here the Mohawks laid their ambush
By the Mourning Kill, and waited.
When the Algonquins on the warpath
Reached the fatal spot, the Mohawks
Slew them all without compassion.
Long the Indians mourned their brothers.
Each year coming back to mourn them.
"Mourning Kill" the name arising
From this ancient Indian custom.
Still persisting when the white men
Held the lands where once the Mohawks
Wandered free in sole possession.
Sad the story how the settlers
Without justice seized the title,
Force and fraud and usurpation
Weapons of their choice and using
To despoil their dusky victims.
Wherefore wonder at the hatred.
Massacres and frequent horrors :
To the God of even justice

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

217

^^'hite and Red Man both have answered.
Long ago the warriors vanished.
Like their hunting grounds and forests,
Seized for home of hardy settlers,
Cleared for tillage and for village ;
Savage giving place to farmer.
Hunter to the smith and tradesman.
Pagan to believing Christian,
Bloody fued to law and order.

V
Two hundred years ! A wilderness

With here and there a clearing ;
The white man stern in storm and stress,

The Red Man fierce j'et fearing.

By sixteen hundred eighty-four

The British crown gave title
To Indian lands, whence bloody war

W ilh all their grim recital.

Dutch Peter Schuyler and his friends

Took Saratoga county,
Through Patents which advanced their ends

And drew the royal bounty.

In seventeen hundred eight, the date

Of white claim to this section.
The grafters grabbed their real estate

Under Queen Anne's protection.

To Nanning Hermance fell the grant

Kay-a-derosseras,
Name of the "crooked stream" along

Whose banks we loved to pass.

The cheated Mohawks ne'er forgave
The whites who stole their lands,

And many a settler found a grave
At their avenging hands.

Sir William Johnson, governor,

True nobleman and great,
Did nmch to end the Indian war,

Their hatred to abate.

We picture him, the noble knight,

The Red Man's friend so true,
Seeking to bring about the right

And give each race its due.

Tortured with gout, through forest maze

He seeks the healing spring,
By trails the friendly Indians blaze

His journey hastening.

The legend of Tom Connor shows how one un-
daunted son

Of Ballston town once faced the great and good
George Washington.

In seventeen hundred eighty-three, in search of brief
release

From cares of camp headquarters and the men who
never cease

To press their claims for place and pelf, the conti-
nental chief

Mapped out a tour of battle fields, as measure of
relief.

Included in his party, on this northern outing tour,
Were New York's Governor Clinton, statesman

strong and true and pure.
And Alexander Hamilton, most brilliant of men
Who founded firm the Union — New York's foremost

citizen;
With Colonels Fish and Humphrey as the military

guides,
Along the Hudson's wooded banks the little party

rides.
From Ncwburg north they wend tlieir way to that

famed battle field
Where British Burgoync, caught and caged, his army

had to yield.
Then on to beautiful Lake George, Crown Point, Ti-

conderoga.
Where Y'ankee grit began the triumphs crowned at

Saratoga.
Let fancy frame for you the thoughts that thrilled

those noble souls
.As they beheld the ground where men, whose names

fill patriot rolls,
Laid down their lives for liberty, and by their con-
secration
IVIade possible what we enjoy — this free and mighty

nation.
Thence turning homeward, they bethought their pil-
grimage to make
To Saratoga's High Rock Spring — there nature's

thirst to slake.
As appetite but grows, in truth, by that on which

'tis fed.
So grew their thirst for living springs, and toward

our spring they sped.
The plan included lunch, with Genera! Gordon as the

host.
But forest mazes interfered, and so(in the group was

lost.
The Middle Line eluded them, and when they struck

a trail
It led to Factory Village, and the hero of our tale.

Tom Conner — hardy settler — was a typical pioneer.

Who asked no favor and who knew of man or beast
, no fear.

His sounding axe gave guidance to his rude log
cabin door;

And as all men were men to Tom, he saw in them
no more

Than common mortals who were host in wild, un-
settled section ;

So. answering their queries, he gave requisite direc-
tion ;

Then went on with his chopping, while the party rode
away.

The busy woodsman ignorant of greatness seen that
day.

But presentlv they came again, to seek for further
light. ■

Since crossing trails bewildered them, and hunger
was in sight.

This time 'twas Washington himself, who asked,
with courtly grace,

Particular directions as to route they must retrace.

"I tell ye— turn back, take first right, then stick to
it ; and, say.

218

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Ye must be mighty stupid — any darned fool 'd know
the way!"

And thus it was, his temper lost, that hasty-tongued
Tom Conner

Addressed the great commander whom the world
unites to honor.

When, later, Tom discovered who his visitors had
been,

He hung his liead in bitter consternation and cha-
grin;

And long was he tormented by his jeering neigh-
bors on

His cavalier "reception" of lost General Washington.

The latter took the right-hand path, the spring was
soon in sight.

And all drank of the waters with an undisguised
delight.

Later, at General Gordon's long and heartily they
laughed,

As at the dinner, toasting him, Tom Conner's health
they quafTed.

Balls-town, Ball-town, Ballston Spa —

These by turns the village name,
From Eliphalet Ball, the pioneer,

Who in 1770 hither came.
Minister he of the manly mold

That knows no failure and no fear,
Subduing nature, reliant, bold.

He finds in the wilderness his sphere.
With him he brought of his former fold

A goodly group, to surround him here.
Three sons had he, and a daughter, too.
Who married a Gordon, Scotchman true.
Gordon Creek to his name is due.
Four hundred acres the landlords gave
To induce the parson their souls to save.
Scotch Presbyterian he, and blue,
Scotch and North Irish folk he drew.
Sturdy stock — and the settlement grew.
They built the Red Meeting House, and there
All gathered for wor.ship, praise and prayer.
In 1775 their creed
The right of conscience free declared.
On this great principle agreed.
A common brotherhood they shared.
'Twas Ballston Center where their acres lay,
The springs made village centre far away.

VIII

Due prai.se to him who saved the spring —

To him be votive offering.

Beriah Palmer, as he came surveying.

In 1771 reached High Street hill.

Thirsty and weary ; quick his gaze went straying

Over the hemlock forest, dense and still ;

In vale below he spied the Indian clearing

Thro which there ran, like line of light.

The Gordon creek, whose waters sparkling bright

Promised the sought refreshment. Thither nearing,

.Strolling along the banks, by happy chance

He found the ancient spring the Indians knew,

.^nd held as sacred as their sun-god dance;

The iron spring which Johnson visited.

When bj' his gouty humors sore bestead.

To Palmer's wit we owe the spring's existence.

He stopped fresh water o'erflovv from the creek.

Dug clay from nearby bank, and by persistence

Built log hut, chinked it tight, and thus his quick

And skilful action saved to future ages

The living waters which our thirst assuages.

Soon visitors came, some through the forest
tramping.

By rumor drawn to seek the famous Well ;
Others to hunt and fish, and here encamping,

A few deciding in the place to dwell.
In 1787, with eye to profit,

Benajah Douglas bought a tract near by.
And when the water drew the crowds to quaff it

They found a welcome at his hostelry.
The Brookside of to-day was his grand mansion,

The Public Well now caught the public eye,
The hamlet entered on its real expansion.

And Ballston Spa soon found its glory nigh.
New springs were opened, new hotels were builded.

Fashion began to come, and money flew.
The hopes of residents with golden hue were gilded,

And each new season larger concourse drew.
Not only from all parts of this, from foreign lands

they came.
For worldwide then had grown to be fair Ballston's
summer fame.

In 1S07, the charter year.

The village reached the height of its career

As fashion's favorite resort. The tide

Soon set toward Saratoga, which is now

What Ballston was a century ago.

W^ell for the village life this change of base.

Which sw'cpt the throngs away, and left the place

To follow out its simple ways, and be

A home from fashion freaks and follies free.

Old Sans Souci ! Fair Sans Souci !
Borrowed from Frederick's Germany,
What visions bright of revelry.
Of royal sport at royal court.
Are called from misty past by thee.
Not less the wit and brilliancy.
The scenes enchanted,
In fashion's new-world Sans Souci
From the old world transplanted.

White Sans Souci ! Bright Sans Souci I
Brilliant w'ith dames of high degree;
While men of fame and rank and name
To thy resort in joyance came.
At Sans Souci, from care set free.
The statesmen, scholars, men of letters.
Merchants and priests threw off their fetters
And frolicked with the belles and beaux,
Or found in nature sweet repose.

Proud Sans Souci. within thy halls
What greatness gathered! Men of state.
Moulders of thought, the list recalls:

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

219

Clay and Calhoun, Van Buren, Pierce,
Marcy and Seward, men of weight;
Louis Napoleon, prince obscure,
Later to wage a conflict fierce ;
Noted names, too in literature :
Cooper, whose Indians owned the ground
Their roaming spirits lingered 'round;
And Irving, with his master touch.
Chronicling English ways or Dutch —
Witty and gay the company
That met and mingled at Sans Souci
At dawn of the nineteenth century.

Poor Sans Souci ! A memory !

Naught more than that is left of thee.

Yet that still sweetly clings to me.

When longtime fashion's sway had passed

And Ladies' Seminary came.

The younger generation cast

Flirtatious eyes at beauty's flame.

But bad financing and misrule

Left Sans Souci without a school.

For time again it was hotel

Until the hand destroying fell.

That was the young folks' longed-for chance

To rent the parlors for their dance.

What hops those were ! The hours were golden

Have you forgotten William Holding?

His orchestra played music rare.

'Yes, true — I had the partner there

Who still my lot in life doth share.

Hail, Sans Souci ! I, too, am free

From lonely lot and carking care —

And many a joy I owe to thee.

XII

A hundred years ! How short the span

In view of myriad marvels wrought by man.

In eighteen hundred seven no whistle shrill

Had waked the echoes of the wood or hill ;

The swiftest travel then by crawling stage.

Six miles an hour th' express of that slow age.

No car, no telegraph, no- boat —

No gas, no water-works, no sewers —

No telephone or trolley — how remote

That past from our luxurious present! Yet,

All of the solid worth that now endures

Came from the hardy manhood that inures

In pioneer toil and hardship, bravely borne

With face to future. Let lis not forget —

Inheritors we of that they fought to gain —

That stern privation is strong manhood's school.

Which teaches how to labor and to vote.

That no self-sacrifice for others' good is vain;

While wealth and luxury, w'hich honest virtues scorn,

Produce the rich sons' crop — the country's bane —

Replacing men with the effeminate fool.

'Tis well to realize that electric light

Dispels no darkness of the moral night :

That all the luxuries which wealth can buy

But serve to feed the vices that make weak ;

That still on simple life we must rely

For that strong, sterling character we seek

To keep our own indeed the Empire State

In all that makes a people truly great.

'Tis ours to see that changes in condition

Sw-erve not the commonwealth from its high mis-
sion;
That no low standards ever shall obtain
Which sacrifice the public good for private gain.
A land's true wealth is never told in dollars,
But in its poets, seers, statesmen, scholars.
The quality of its rank and file — the common folk
Who really make prosperity and worth
That give a nation prestige in the earth.
Be sure 'tis not in modern innovation
We find the highest type of civilization.
To rank a nation do not markets scan.
But find its best ideal of a man.

XIII
Turn back thy glass, O Time, and let us gaze
On village life in earlier, simpler days,
When people lived in homelike, humble ways,
Free from the madding strife and mammon-craze.

Fair Ballston, village of the hill and dale,

What tongue can tell thy rich, romantic tale?

The apt historian may well rehearse

Thy noble part in statecraft, peace, and strife ;

The poet, too, may breathe in rhythmic verse

The charm and beauty of thy family life.

The village type — strong bulwark of the free —

Here find we well exemplified by thee.

XIV
Happy the village in the ministry
Of such good preacher as Elias Lee,
Who filled the pulpit with the fire that drew
A captivated audience in the pew.
Broad-minded citizen, he filled large place
With sterling piety and courtly grace.

And Deodatus Babcock, churchman zealous.
Filled well his ofiice, as the records tell us;
And "in his duty prompt at every call,
He watched, and wept, he prayed and felt for all.
He tried each art, reproved each dull delay.
Allured to brighter worlds, and led the way."

Another eminent man, in earlier time,
The village had in Irenaeus Prime,
Who later as an editor was famed
Where'er the "Irenaeus Letters" were named.
"Truth, from his lips, prevailed with double sway,
And those who came to scoff, remained to pray."

A Ballslon rector of the years agone
We honor now as Bishop Worthington.
Happy the village, let us say again.
That in its pulpits has true, godly men,
Who still proclaim in accents loud and clear
The gospel message of love, hope, faith and cheer.

XV
The village editor — in influence the peer
Of village minister — him, too, we honor here.
The strength of sound opinion rarely rises
Above the level of the weekly press.
Which, calmer than the daily, supervises
The world's affairs, and lays due weight and, stress
Upon those local duties and concerns
On which, like hinges, larger issue turns.

220

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Recorder of the village life, director of opinion.
The country editor has still a rare and wide
dominion.

Pray with me bear, as here I pay son's tribute of

affection,
To father who for forty years gave Jourxal true

direction.
Good man and editor was he, a patriot devoted.
He loved the truth that makes men free, the right

he e'er promoted.

XVI

There was one public man Ballston gave to the

nation.
Who filled an exceptional, national station.
This was John W. Taylor, for twenty years leader
In Congress, the peer of Calhoun and of Clay,
Ranked with Wetjster indeed as debater and pleader,
In the very front rank of the men of his day.
He was chosen as Speaker, succeeding that peerless
Parliamentary leader. Clay, who himself said,
That no man in the House was more brilliant and

fearless,
More fitted than Taylor to be at the head.
As the only New Yorker e'er accorded that honor.
We our tribute now pay, as we honor our dead.

XVII

Old Ballston has reason for pride in her sons

Who have gone from her borders to city and town,
They have earned their own way and have made
their home runs,
To the places of usefulness, power and renown.
At the bar, on the bench, they have gained recog-
nition.
As doctors and surgeons they arc high in their
schools.
As preachers and teachers they fill large position,

In business or pleasure, they play by the rules.
We find them as winners at all the big dinners —
There is only one class they're not in — that's the
fools.

XVIII

Just fifty years since first my youthful eyes
Saw Ballston's streets and scenes with awed sur-
prise.
The boyhood home ! The man who can forget it.

Has something lacking in the better part,
He who can leave the home and not regret it

How'er strong brained is sadly weak in heart.
As pass the years old places grow the dearer.

Old friends seem rarer and we prize them more ;
Things that were dim to youth now shine out clearer,

Perspective now is truer than of yore.
The village life that once seemed dull and vapid

Now shows its real delights; its leisure pace
Is peace indeed to him who knows the rapid

And strenuous nature of the city's race.

The simple village life we knew from wild excesses

free.
Was wholesome soil in which there grew faith,

hope, and charity.

XIX

My earliest share in party predilection
Dates back to '60 — Lincoln's first campaign ;
Rail Splitters all we boys without defection,
The Little Giants summoned us in vain.
In uniform blue and white, beetle on shoulder^
Marching in torchlight line, proud little fellow —
How I despised the Douglas crowd ! Grown older,
In journalism or party I can't bear yellow —
'Tis thus the boy's likes pass into the man's.
And bind him to his principles and clans.
But principles first, and plans and party second^
'Tis only thus to highest goal we're beckoned.
A Mugwump's one thing — true, and quite another
The man whose spear in right cause knows no

brother.
To save true parties from a course descendent
We always need the fearless independent,
Who makes direct to people his appeal.
Nor doubts the verdict of their unbought will —
Which voice and votes without mistake reveal.

XX,

At age of ten — vi-ool-dyed Republican — red at that —

If you'd insult me — call me Democrat !

But time our youthful rancors doth abate.

And one can see — to remedy abuses

And keep the Republicans steady, strong and

straight,
How virtuous Democrats have their proper uses.
Two parties, to say the least, are necessary —
That each may keep the other at work and wary.
But well we now discern 'twixt partisan
And that much higher type, the party man.
And more than that, we've learned that friendship

hearty
Is matter of man to man — not bound by party.
As true Ballstonians we unite to champion one

great cause —
A free and honest government, and equal rights

and laws.
When test shall come, and city votes by fraud are

cast for wrong.
In the virtue of the village we shall still be safe

and strong:
'Tis to village and to country we must look for

power to check
The insidious plots that seek our highest interests

to wreck.

So, Governor Hughes — this personal allusion you'll

excuse —
When appealing to the people, in advance you'll

know our views :
Old Ballston's with 30U first and last, she'll stand

behind you firm and fast,
In future as in glorious past — hail. Governor

Hughes !

XXI

Were you a boy in '60 or thereabouts.

When war was in the air, and old Camp Cooper

Was field of glory to us — with its scouts.

Its quota of militia, gay clad trooper.

Its field maneuvres. mimic raids and routs?

CENTEXXIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

221

Then you recall our leal and proud commander.

Our Colonel Peek, resplendent to our view.

Who in our boyish eyes was bigger man and grander

Than Grant or Lee — indeed, he looked it, too.

Who can forget that '6i November,

When Bemis Heights Battalion led the way ;

Our Ballston Company B — do you remember

How fine Steve Horton, captain, looked that day?

While Colonel McKean was dazzling in the splendor

Of regimental glory and array.

Proudly he rode at head of marching column,

As to the front the Seventy-seventh pressed :

We wondered why the old folks were so solemn —

We saw alone the glitter — they the rest !

Sojne of us saw that side a little later.

And felt the tragedy of war's alarm—

What wonder that e'en boyhood grew sedater

At sight of big John Harlow with one arm

And empty sleeve that told its speechless story.

Which grew in horror when our brave boys fell.

When Captain McKittrick gave his life for glory.

And some came back all shattered by shot and shell

How with hot rage our youthful hearts would thrill.

When pale and wan our heroes came,

Half dead from Andersonville,

And revealed the secrets of that awful place.

To end of time the South's shame and disgrace.

xxn

How we boys enjoyed our frolics, building wig-
wams in the woods,

Sometimes catching cold and colics, reckless of our
ways and moods.

Now we played the noble Uncas, shrieking up Mo-
hican hill,

Till we often fancied redskins might leap out upon
us still.

Summer sports we had in plenty — coram, duckstone,
two-old-cat.

Quoits and marbles, swimming, fishing — do the boys
now know all that?

They tell me ruthless axe is laid

At root of trees on old Clapp's Hill —

Ah, can no vandal stroke be stayed?
Those apple trees — that used to fill

The boyish pockets, and that played
Us sometimes an internal ill.

'Twas in that orchard of the boy's delight.
On one dark, stormy, ne'er forgotten night,
Our trio, Johnson, Jones and I — got mortal fright.
The old town clock had sounded solemn ten—
I noted well the strokes — and we just then
Climbed o'er the fence, and, pockets loaded down.
Guilty of conscience, started for the town.
But see! a white horse coming — then a shout:
"Stop, boys !" Whereat we stopped not. but lit out.
Then two sharp shots rang out upon the air
And we could feel them cutting through our hair —
Each boy felt sure some vital spot was hit.
We struck a ditch, and tumbled into it.
Long there we lay, dead spent, in dread suspense,
Then homeward stole, in muddy penitence.
Those random shots, fired in the air.
Gave my poor heart such shock and scare

That, if I live to ninety-eight,

I still shall feel the rapid rate.

As to our after honesty I may not you convince,

But this is simple fact, I havn't stolen an apple

since !
Ed Johnson's gone, Frank Jones is dead, and I alone

remain
To tell why we ran up Clapp's Hill, and why ran

down again.

xxni

How many boyish pranks we played, and yet 'twas

all good-natured fun;
If now and then we made a raid, in mischief merely

it was done;
We roamed the village at our will, played ball in

street without reproval,
In winter slid down Bath street hill, our only grief

some boy's removal.
The sports were simpler then than now, our Inde-
pendence Nine was gritty,
For one who wore a glove and mask, we should

have felt contempt or pity.
He best whose hands and grit were toughest,
He first who stood the game the roughest.
Dear Ballston boys of other days, boys of my time

and generation,
I see you thro time's mellow haze, and gladly hail

your elevation.
You've played your parts as manly men. some of

you won high recognition —
You form the class of citizen who give our country

might and mission.
Dear Ballston girls — but ah, beware, e'en age of

such words must be chary.
You'll let me say how passing fair j'ou were, and

sometimes also wary;
You knew us better than we thought, and led us

many a lively chase.
But we were willing to be caught, and yield to spell

of beauty's grace.
One thing I'll say, as general truth, (nay, do not

fear, 'tis not alarming)
The jMadams know it well, forsooth — that all the

Ballston girls were charming.
True fifty, forty years ago — and just as true ten,

twenty, thirty —
The same to-day, I'm sure, of you — charming, and

casually flirty.
Had I my will, this I would do,
All my young friends of worthful lives
I'd send to Ballston for their wives.

XXIV
Those serenades on summer nights, with male and

mixed quartette, —
The sounds of "Music in the Air" seem faintly

wafted yet.
"Sweet Evelina" always formed a member of our

chorus,
And the stars and stripes, "Say, can you see," were

ever waving o'er us.
We drank "The Old Oaken Bucket" dry, "Way

down on Suwanee River,"
While "Tenting To-night," "Annie Laurie" bright,

and the "brook runs on forever."

222

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

I've seen the Paris Opera House, the Royal in

Berlin,
The Metropolitan in Xew York — bnt none of them

begin
To stir my pulses like tlie thought of Townsend's

tragic pall
When his Canadian strollers plaved in our old

Waverly Hall.
Comical Brown, with his twenty odd faces,
His side-splitting stories and fetching grimaces ;
Where tell me, where in your new-fangled places
You'll find more amusement that's wholesome and

clean —
Than in Waverly Hall in old times could be seen.

XXV

Great times we had election days.

And greater yet election nights.
Considerable ruction then we'd raise.

And keep the constables in frights.
The village fathers sought in vain
The boisterous spirits to restrain ;
The bonfires burned through all restrictions,
Despite the law's stern interdictions.
Boxes and barrels high we heaped 'em.

On with the blaze, whichever party won;
Then as the flames died down the crowds o'er-
leaped 'em,

While fast and furious waxed the midnight fun.
All this a part of true patriot passion
Showing itself in American fashion.

XXVI
Fourth of July ! Noise began long ahead of it.

Sometimes a week, and the nervous and ill.
Rightly enough had a fear and a dread of it.

Finding no spot that was restful or still.
Then, on the night before, just at the dead of it,

Burst forth the clamor, fierce, shocking and shrill.
Boom ! went the cannon — Old Betsey the gun of all

Sounding the loudest and leading the noise — -
Keeping the people awake was the fun of all —

Old-fashioned Fourth — the delight of the boys!

XXV H

Do you recall that dark and awful morning
When through the village ran tlie startling word

That our great Lincoln, without moment's warning,
Had been shot down? The people deeply stirred,

Gathered in groups, with faces drawn and white.

Mad with the rage for vengeance, eager to fight.

Ill fared it that morning with one copperhead —
Standing on steps of our office, he said :
"Served him right — down with tyrants! I'm glad he
is dead!"
But the words were scarce out, when a blow

knocked him dow-n,
And an outcast, well beaten, he fled from the town.
Thereafter Ballstonians had for him no regard.
And named him in scorn and derision "Old Beau-
regard."

Those days full of terror and dark with suspense.
Were unpleasant enough for the man on the fence.
For the feeling was high and the ardor intense.

When the remnants of Company B came at last.

What a halo of glory enveloped their past.

Yet more honored to-day those who bear battle

scar,
Warm the spot in our hearts for the old G. A. R.

XXVIII
Come, Muse, inspire me now to sing
Fit praise of thee, old Iron Spring.
Standing beside thy silent flow.
Swift memories of the long ago
Bring back again the sweet romances,
1 he liquid draughts and laughing glances.
But thirst assuaged, ah, who shall tell
The secrets of the leafy dell.
The evening stroll to old Red Mill,
Or moonlight meet on Uncas' hill.
What virtues in the spring resided
Perhaps will e'er be undecided.
But many a youth who did as I did.
Will ne'er forget the walks that tended
To thy cool fount ; the strolls that ended
In happy hearts in union blended.
To thee the fondest memories cling.
Fountain of youth, old Iron Spring!

XXIX

Village of schools ! Many still can remember

Glad days of their boyhood at Gilmour's on hill —
'Twas ^iay with them then whereas now 'tis De-
cember,

Yet the fond recollections bring cjuickening thrill.
Long forgotten the lessons, the marks and the classes,

But never the skating on glarey Red Mill ;
The Academy boys and the shy village lasses

Swift gliding along — I can picture them still.
The Academy's gone, and the High School replaces

The old education with many things new.
The curriculum now is as strange as the faces —

Do they learn more, I wonder, than we used to do?
More important by far, do they foster the graces

That blossom in character tender and true?

XXX
What village street in all the land surpasses
Our High Street, with its overarching boughs,
Beneath which Ballston's happy lads and lasses
Slow walking whispered soft their lover's vows.
Those lordly elms which stand so still and stately,
Could they but speak, might moonlight secrets tell
Which some, who gather here to-day sedately,
Would recognize as true but all to well.
What happy homes in tender memory rise.
As we recall the days forever gone;
Here loving hearts made earthly paradise,
Their passing leaves the hearthstone drear and lone.
Yet this no hour for sadness or for mourning.
These blest home-makers were the village pride.
Their homely virtues were her rich adorning.
Their loving spirit still doth here abidgi

XXXI

Have you seen the sunset glory.

From the fence on Church Street hill ?

Two it takes to tell that story,
One would see the glow but ill.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

223

Have you rowed at summer twiliglit
On llie stream above Blue IMill?

Two it takes to enjoy that shy light,
One would find the place too still.

Have you loitered in the gloaming
By the shallow Mourning Kill?

Two it takes to make real roaming,
One would find the pleasure jiiV.

Questions these not born of fancy.
Rather drawn from memory's store

By a lover of romance he

Fain would figure in once more.

XXXII
111 fares the land, to hastening ills a prey,
When wealth .accumulates and men decay.
So wrote the poet of an earlier day
Of his loved England. True it is the sway
Of gold means menace always to the free,
For manhood only measures liberty.
So. too, ill fares the land, to spoils a prey,
When cities grow and villages decay.
In village, as on farm, we trace the springs
Of sturdy virtue which to city brings
Fresh blood and impulse, and that force supplies
On which for character the town relies.
The farmer boys and village lads have made
The men who built the city marts of trade;
The preachers, lawyers, doctors of renown
Have seldom had their birth within the town.
When for the greatness of our statesman Hughes
We seek in birth place and in blood the clues,
We find the village as his place of birth.
And wonder not his fame flies thro the earth.
Next to fair Ballston, where affection calls,
There is no lovelier village than Glens Falls — ■
We hail that village now, with glad intent,
As birthplace of our coming President.

XXXIII

One thing to-day, amid the storm and stress,
We see emerging — civic righteousness ;
A quickened conscience and a fresh appeal
To sense of justice for a new, square deal.
Political graft has had its prosperovis day.
When scheming plunderers made the people pay,
While franchise rights for bribes were given away,
Reform is in the air, and politicians ^

Have taken heed of signs and portents dire —
The people have selected their physicians
And bade them give what doie the ills require.
The question's not — does medicine suit the taste,
But "Step up and take it, gentlemen, in haste."
One other thing we hope to see, a quickened village

pride,
A checking of this tendency, this city-setting tide.
Alas for us, where shall we look for salvation
If the city shall dominate country and nation?
In the new social spirit the village must lead.
As in all the reforms which are born of our need.

Then let us, on this joyous day.

With Whittier, patriot poet, say:
"Oh, make Thou us, through centuries long,

In peace secure, in justice strong;

Around our gift of freedom draw
The safeguards of Thy righteous law ;
And, cast in some diviner mold,
Let the new cvcle shame the old !"

COLONEL stone's ADDRESS.

Col. William L. Stone, of Mt. ^'e^non, New
York, gave the closing address, his subject
being "The Declaration of Independence in
a new light." The address follows :

"Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : Before
beginning my address I wish to tell you all how
badly I feel that my honored old teachers. Rev. H.
W. Bulkelcy and Dr. Babcock (both of whom I
loved dearly) are not present on this august occa-
sion to hear thier old pupil. Also, my dearly loved
friends, the late Judge George G. Scott and E. R.
Mann, both of whom by their writings have left an
indelible impress on Ballston history. Still, I firmly
believe, altho' not a spiritualist in the common
acceptation of that term, that they are all here in
spirit, if not in personal presence, to listen to the
remarks of all the distinguished speakers at this
time.

"On the l.Sth of May, 1776, the second conti-
nental congress voted to recommend all the col-
onies to adopt new forms of government. On the
7th of June, Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, obey-
ing the instructions of that colony, moved 'That
these united colonies are and of right ought to be,
free and independent states :" that they are absolved
from all allegiance to the British crown, and that
all political connection between them and the state
of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dis-
solved.' Three days later, on the loth. the day when
the first debate on Lee's resolution was closed, si.x
of the colonies being unprepared to vote, a post-
ponement was had until the ist of July, in the ex-
pectation that by that time there would be entire
unanimity. On the evening of the 1st John Adams
wrote to Samuel Chase that the debate took up most
of the day. Jefferson, in 1787, stated that the debate
lasted "nine hours, until evening without refresh-
ment and without pause.' At the close of the de-
bate, however, no definite action was taken, and
the final voting was postponed until the following
day. Accordingly, on the 2d of July, the first formal
and final vote was taken on Independence — all of
the thirteen colonies voting for it except that of
New York. As New York has been severely cen-
sured for this, and as she fain would stand well
with her little sister 'Rhody,' permit me, in behalf
of that state, to correct this impression.

"It has been stated by a high authority that the
New York delegates, during the entire debate on
Lee's resolution, 'remained passive, neither oppos-
ing nor helping, as they deemed the whole subject
of separation as outside of their instructions.'
There could not be a greater error. To suppose
that George Clinton, w-ho had been elected a dele-
gate to the continental congress from New York
chiefly on account of his pronounced views against
the crown, or that Robert R. Livingston, one of the

224

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

five, who reported the declaration, remained 'pas-
sive' instead of using all their influence in mould-
ing the sentiments of the congress in the right direc-
tion— is to accuse both of those gentlemen of grave
inconsistency.

"On May 5th, 1776, as we have seen, a resolution
was passed by the continental congress and ordered
to be pushed. If either Clinton or Livingston was
present and voted for it at that time, it could fairly
be said that they not only favored, but voted for
independence. One of the phrases of the preamble
to the resolution is, 'It is necessary that the exer-
cise of every kind of authority under said crown
should be totally suppressed, and all the powers of
government executed under the authority of the
people of the colonies.' John Adams, at the time,
called this act or resolution 'indepenWence itself.'
The colonies were recommended by it to establish
popular governments where they had not already
done so. Indeed the independence of the colonies
took place in fact, if not in name, before the gen-
eral independence of the whole was declared. Ban-
croft says that all the New York delegates, except
Alsop, were personally ready to vote for independ-
ence, and were confident of their constituents. John
Adams says that even Duane favored it, and he
had been a half tory all along; how much more
then must Clinton and Livingston have been for it.
The documentary declaration was debated in com-
mittee of the whole before being reported to the
house; and there is not much doubt that in such
committee the New York delegates voted for it.
Wisncr, one of the New York delegates, we know
from the investigation of Wauklin Burdge voted
for it.

"But it has been furtlier, stated, to the discredit
of New York, that on the second of July, when the
vote on independence was actually taken. New York
(the vote was by colonies, not by individuals) did
not vote, the delegates from that colony over their
own signatures, with Clinton at their head, offi-
cially reporting as follows : 'The important ques-
tion of independence was agitated yesterday in
committee of the whole congress and this day
will be finally determined in the house. We
know the line of our conduct on this occasion ; we
have your instructions and will faithfully pursue
them.' But this course was entirely proper : and
for the delegates to have acted otherwise would
have been to disobey the express commands of the
New York provincial congress which they repre-
sented. Upon the passage of the resolution of May
15 by the continental congress the New York dele-
gates on June 8, wrote home to ascertain the senti-
ments of their constituents on the question of in-
dependence which was expected to come up shortly
in that body. M^nwhile on June 19, a new pro-
vincial congress was elected by New York for the
express purpose of acting on the question of inde-
pendence, as the previous one to whom the letter
of the delegates was addressed, did not consider
itself authorized so to do. The old provincial con-
gress continued to sit for some days after the new
one was chosen : and of course can be excused for
not authorizing their delegates in the Continental

congress to vote for independence. They purposely 1
left it to the new provincial congress, which met at 1
White Plains, July 8, 1776, and which, the very next ^
day, passed unanimously a resolution approving the
Declaration of Independence. The fact upon which
considerable stress has been laid— that the New ,
York delegates in the Continental congress were
not the voters for the adhesion of the colony of
New York — is a purely private and local affair be- 1
tween them and their constituents: nor does it, in. '
the slighest degree, affect the willingness of New
York to declare itself independent. There was very
little toryism that dared to show itself to the peo-
ple at this late day. Most of the leading loyalists
had either left the state or were hiding. Indeed, as
a matter of fact. New Yorkers were as nearly unan-
imous at the time as either New Jersey or Pennsyl-
vania. Finally when, on the 2d of July, t^ie vote was
taken for formal independence, the New York del-
egates, who, for local reasons, could not act for
their state, were probably much better disposed
than those of Pennsylvania, who could act and yet
were intending to vote four against independence
and three for it — and it was only by great persua-
sion that two of the four were induced to absent
themselves so as to turn the minority in majority.
Though the colony of New York failed, for the
above reasons to vote, the state failed not to act
for liberty and independence.

The official record of the momentous proceedings
of the 2d is in these words:

"Tuesday, July 2. 1776. The Congress resumed
the consideration of the resolution from the com-
mittee of the whole, which was agreed to as fol-
lows :

"Resolved, That these I'nited States colonies are,
and of right ought to be, free and independent states ;
that they are absolved from all allegiance to the
British crown, and that all political connection
between them and the state of Great Britain is,
and ought to be totally dissolved."

"From the hour when that vote was taken and
that record made," says Mr. McKean very justly
in his centennial address, "the United States of
America 'assuming among the powers of the earth
the separate and equal station to which the laws
of nature and of nature's God entitle them.' "

In fact, the 2d of July and not the 4th, should be
the day for the celebration of our independence.
That it would be was the opinion of the prominent
men of that day. On the morning of the 1st of
July John -'\dams, anticipating independence in
that day's vote, wrote from Pennsylvania to .Archi-
bald Bullock, "May Heaven prosper the new-born
republic, and make it more glorious than any
former republics have been." And, on the third,
after the adoption of the resolution of Independ-
ence, he wrote to his wife as follows: "Yesterday
the greatest question was decided which ever was
debated in America, and a greater, perhaps, never
was, nor will be decided among men. That will
live as truth among all .Americans who know and
value the history of their country;" and in the
course of the same letter, he adds: "The second
day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

225

in the history of America. I am apt to believe that
it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as
the great anniversary festival, be solemnized with
pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, gims,
bonfires, and illuminations from one end of the
continent to another, from this time forevermore.
It ought also to be commemorated as the day of
deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God
Almighty. **.********
Through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravish-
ing light and glory; and prosperity will triumph
in this day's transaction."

At length on the fourth of July, 1776, the Decla-
ration of Independence — the complement of the act
of the second, having been drafted by Thomas
Jefferson, was formally submitted to the delegates
present.

If, however, it be asked, how has it come to pass
that the fourth of July has been substituted as a
day of celebration for the second, the real date of
the birth of the United States as an independent
iidtion? the answer is, that the resolution of the
second was passed in private session and remained
unknown to the people generally luitil the reso-
lution and the declaration were publicly pro-
claimed together. "There was nothing in the
phrase of the resolution to cause it to live in
the popular memory — while there was everything
in the Declaration to give it a vital hold upon
the affections of the American people." But
there was still another cause for this. It has been
well said, that "the great importance — the decisive
and controlling character of the resolution of inde-
pendence, adopted on the 2d day of July. 1776, have
been obscured to the popular vision by the splendor
and fame of Jefferson's immortal declaration of the
reasons for the adoption of that resolution. Yet
Jefferson himself never allowed the one to over-
shadow in his estimation the importance of the other.
The declaration, in his mind, was intended to be
'an appeal to the tribunal of the world' as a justi-
fication of what had already been done. It was in-
tended, he says, 'toj5e an expression of the Ameri-
can mind, and to give that expression, the proper
tone and spirit called for by the occasion; to place
before mankind the common sense of the subiect in
terms so plain and firm as to command their assent.'
Yet the Declaration of Independence has dislodged
the resolution of independence in the popular mind ;
and the fourth of July has displaced the second as
the nation's holiday and the patriot's high festival."

But the strictly official action, following the trans-
mission of the declaration by the president of con-
gress to the civil and military authorities of the
thirteen colonies, deserves particular mention. The
president, in sending on the 6th of July, the dec-
laration to the different provincial congresses, said
"that congress had judged it necessary to dissolve
all connection between Great Britain's American
colonies, and requested that its action might be
proclaimed in the manner that might be thought
best." The approval of its terms by all of the
colonies was hearty and unanimous ; but especially
was this the case in Rhode Island, where the rati-
fications were printed and read before great as-

semblages of the civil authorities, the militia and
the people. The following is the pledge of Rhode
Island, which was a fitting sequel to the destruc-
tion of the British sloop "Liberty" and dismantling
of the royal fort at Newport and the burning of
the Gaspee in the waters of the Narragansett :

"State of Rhode Island and Providence Plan-

TIONS.

"In general assembly, July session, 1776.

"This general assembly, taking into the most
serious consideration the resolution of the most
honorable, the general congress of the United
States of America of the 4th inst., declaring the
said states free and independent, do approve the
said resolution ; and do most solemnly engage that
it will support the said general congress with our
lives and fortunes.

"Henry Ward,

"Secretary of State."

Henry Ward, the signer of this ringing resolu-
tion, was the younger brother of Samuel Ward,
the colonial war governor of Rhode Island, and
who also has the distinguished honor of being the
first one to bring forward in the continental con-
gress a resolution proposing George Washington
for commander-in-chief of the continental armies.

We are now prepared to speak of the signing of
the document — known as the Declaration of Inde-
pendence and which you have all doubtless seen
and examined.

In thinking of that instrument we are apt to
bring up before the imagination an august assemb-
lage, gravely seated around a table with the decla-
ration spread out upon it, and each member of the
continental congress, in turn, taking a pen and
with great dignity affixing to it his name. Nothing,
however, can be farther from that which actually
took place. Very few of the delegates, if, indeed,
any, signed the original document on the 4th. and
none signed the present one now in Independence
Hall, for the very good reason that it was not then
in existence.

On July 19, congress voted that the declaration
be engrossed on parchment. Jefferson, however,
says that New York signed on July 15, consequently
New York must have signed the original copy of
the declaration before it had gone into the hands of
the engrosser. What day the work was done by
the copyist is not known. All that is certainly
known is, that on the 2d of .August, congress had the
document as engrossed. This is the document which
was on exhibition during the centennial in Inde-
pendence Hall, Philadelphia, and which is now in
the state department at Washington. It is un-
fortunate that, at the present day, the signatures
can only with difficulty be made out. A recent
writer has said "that the ink was stolen ! that some
one, several years since, obtained permission to
make a fac simile of the declaration, and passed the
parchment between heavy rollers, which took up
most of the ink. causing the writing to become faint
and many of the signatures wholly illegible." On
that day (August 2) this present document was
signed by all the members present, among whom

226

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

were Hopkins and Ellery, the delegates from Rhode
Island. The original declaration is lost, or rather
was probably purposely destroyed by congress. All
the signatures were made anew. When the busi-
ness of signing was ended is not known. One Mat-
thew Thornton from New Hampshire signed it in
November when he became a member for the first
time, and Thomas McKean from Delaware — as he
says himself — did not sign till January, 1777. In-
deed, this signing was, in effect what, at the present
day, would be called a "test oath." The principles
of many of the new delegates, coming into congress
from the different states, were not known with cer-
tainty— some of them might be tories in disguise —
and thus each one was required, on first entering
congress, to sign the declaration. In January, 1777,
an authenticated copy, with the names of the signers,
was sent to each .?tate, a fact which may have put
a stop to the business of signing. It shows, how-
ever, the little importance that was attached to this
ceremony, that Robert R. Livingston was one of
the committee of five that reported the declaration
and yet did not sign it, unless his signature is lost
with the original document. The fact is that, as
a late writer of high authority, Mr. Roberdeau
Buchanon, says. "The signing was not the vital
act that gave life and force to the declaration; but
merely the attestation of that act already consum-
mated; and, judging by the printed broadside, per-
formed wholly for the satisfaction of the public."

But I am not delving in the field of conjecture.
The same questions seem to have occurred as early
as 1813, when Thomas Rodney wrote to Gov.
Thomas McKean, a delegate from Delaware and
afterwards president of congress and governor of
Pennsylvania, asking him why his name was not
among the list of the signers in the printed journals
of congress. To this letter Gov. McKean replied
under date of Oct. 22, 1813, as follows:

"Now that I am on this subject I will tell you
something not generally known. In the printed
public journal of congress for 1776, Vol. II, it
would appear that the Declaration of Independence
was signed on the 4th of July by the members
whose names are there inserted. But the fact is
not so — for no person signed it on that day, nor
for many days after ; and among the names sub-
scribed one was against it. Mr. Reed and seven
others were not in congress on that day, viz :
Messrs. Morris, Rush, Clymer, Smith, Taylor and
Ross of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Thornton of New
Hampshire. Nor were the six gentlemen last named
at that time members. The five for Pennsylvania
were appointed delegates by the convention of that
state on the 26th day of July and Thornton entered
congress, for the first time, on the 4th of November
following, when the names of Henry Wisner of New
York and Thomas McKean of Delaware were not
printed as subscribers, though both were present and
voted for independence.

The truth is, the Declaration of Independence
was considered at that time of much less importance
than now; nor did the signers dream of its becom-
ing a shrine almost of worship at the present day.
It is a dramatic incident, and naturally concen-

trates men's attention on it. In the public mind
at the time the provincial congresses were more
important than the general congress. The latter
was a body of agents and formed no sovereignty
except for war purposes. The real sovereigns were
the states.

A word, in conclusion, regarding American
achievements of which the resolution of the 2d of
July was the precursor ; for the effects of that reso-
lution, in all that tends to national greatness, were
not like the short-lived splendors of the morning
star. From the date of the passage of that resolu-
tion, higher and higher like the sun, and with a
steady radiance, has risen the present grandeur of
the United States! No Sidney Smith may now
sneeringly ask, "Who reads an American book?"
Nor, can a Talleyrand now point the finger of scorn
at us and mockingly enquire, "Where is your his-
tory?" We have a literature and a history as
brilliant as any that sheds lustre upon the annals
of the past.

"Soldiers !" said Napoleon, on the eve of one of
his battles, and in one of those bulletins with which
he was wont to electrify all Europe, "soldiers !
from yonder pyramids forty centuries are gazing
down upon you !" But, on that 2d of July, from
far nobler and grander heights, the Providence of
God was looking down upon the little band of
patriots, moulding and shaping the events that were
to spring from its deliberations, so that they should
endure, not through this world only, but through-
out the ages.

At the conclusion of the address, to the
inspiring strains of "My country, 'tis of thee,"
by the band, the assembled thousands de-
parted from a scene the most memorable in
the history of a hundred years.

THE FIREWORKS.

In the early evening the trolley cars from
Saratoga Springs and Schenectady brought
thousands of visitors to see the celebration.
It is estimated that fully fifteen thousand peo-
ple were congregated on Low street, Front
street and on the railroad station grounds
to witness the display. It gave universal sat-
isfaction and lasted nearly an hour.

The display began with the rocket guns
followed by the set piece, "Welcome To All."
During the evening two set pieces that were
greatly admired were those of the "Old Bap-
tist Church" and the "Old Sans Souci." The
portrayals were admirable, the outlines of
these buildings being shown clearly in lines
of fire.

One of the prettiest pieces was the "Niagara
Falls." As the stream of fire descended from
a wire strung across the street it lit up all the
intervening space, and gazing from the rail-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

227

road to Front street a sea of faces was shown
in bold relief, a sight never to be forgotten.

During the display, Boring's Band, sta-
tioned at the Soldier's Monument, gave a fine
concert.

With "Good Night" in fireworks, and
"America" by the Band, the Centennial of
Ballston Spa, in the words of President Wis-
wall "a glorious, impressive and dignified"
celebration, came to a close.

NEWSPAPER REPORTS.

The Schenectady Gazette said:

"The four-day celebration of the centenary of
the incorporation of the village of Ballston Spa
culminated Tuesday with the grand climax of the
whole affair. There was a parade of military, civic
and fraternal organizations, and floats more than
a mile in length. In the afternoon the centennial
exercises proper were held. Many celebrations
have been held by the village, but none approached
in magnitude and pleasure-giving this recognition
of the hundredth milestone in the life of the village.

"The old town was gorgeous in its decking of
bunting and flags, while the residential streets,
arched over with their century-old elms and maples
looked to many even prettier than the gayer portions
of the village. Suspended from the immense trees
almost every hundred feet were immense flags,
which lent a touch of color that enhanced the beauty
of nature, if that were possible.

"Hundreds of visitors had arrived during the first
days of the celebration, but the incoming trains
and trolleys Tuesday morning brought hundreds
more to swell the crowds on the street, and long
before the parade started the streets were crowded
with spectators. It was a good natured crowd, and
as the different organizations passed they were
loudly cheered.

"Hardly a grander spot could have been chosen
for the afternoon exercises than that selected by
the committee. The grand stand was built in front
of the Christ Church parish house, which is at the
junction of five streets. The parish house was built
in the late fifties as an armory, and the military ap-
pearance of the building, with its narrow windows
and tower, made an admirable background, while
the lawn in front and on the sides, with the ad-
joining streets, gave ample room for the thousands
who were present to see Governor Hughes and listen
to the exercises.

"The exercises were presided over by Hon. Jesse
S. L'Amoreaux, former county judge, and were
opened with a selection by Boring's Band of Troy.
President I. W. Wiswall, president of the village,
as well as of the centennial celebration, gave the
address of welcome in his usual agreeable manner,
in which he touched briefly on the gloriousness of
the village.

"Hon. J. S. L'Amoreaux then gave an address,
which was followed by the chorus of the school
children singing "The Star Spangled Banner," which

was sung in an inspiring manner. Then followed
the centennial oration by General Horatio C. King
of New York, in which he gave a large portion to
historical incidents connected with the village and
the great men that it has given to the country.

"The centennial poem by Rev. Howard B. Grose,
D.D., of New York, a former Ballstonian, was
preceded by a selection by the Band.

"Governor Charles E. Hughes was to give a short
address, but owing to the Legislature's protracted
session he could not be present. The closing ad-
dress was delivered by Col. William L. Stone of
Mount Vernon, popularly known as the historian of
Saratoga county. As the historical part had been
well covered. Col. Stone ^gave an address on the
'Declaration of Independence in a New Light.'

"The celebration closed with a grand display of
fire works on Low street in the evening."

The Saratogian said:

"Centennial has passed into Ancient History —
But nobody who went to Ballston will forget it —
Biggest success ever — Largest crowds, best policing,
greatest fun, swellest fireworks and finest music.

"Ballston Spa is to-day recovering from the cel-
ebration of its centennial. As the circus posters
read, it was the 'biggest, best, and most glorious'
of any similar events within the memory of the
oldest inhabitant in this part of the state.

"Not a blot marred the affair. The thunder storm
during the parade sent the crowd to scurrying for
a few minutes, but that was the only sign of a rain
drop. And the crowd was a big one. Even bigger
than had been anticipated. Chief O'Brien and his
men handled the crowds with such skill that rowdy-
ism was lacking. To President Wiswall and his
committees, great praise is due, and they were re-
ceiving it to-day.

"The fine display of Pain's fireworks closed the
glorious celebration of the centennial in a blaze of
glory as well as of fire. It is estimated that fully
fifteen thousand people saw the magnificent display.
The fireworks were sent up from the railroad track
on Low street. This street is the widest in town,
being over a hundred feet in breadth, and from the
railroad to Front street it was packed solid with
spectators while the station grounds held a thou-
sand or more and abutting streets contained their
quota of spectators.

"Roofs of buildings and all the windows within
view of the display were crowded. While the crowd
was waiting good naturedly for the display to begin
they were entertained by music by the band.

"After the opening gun rockets the piece 'Welcome
To All,' was set off and was followed by hundreds
of rockets, Roman candles, etc. Then the set piece
'The Old Baptist Chmurch' was fired and elicited
hearty applause. Then followed other pieces and
the set piece, 'The Old Sans Souci Hotel,' which
gave a very good representation in fire of this fa-
mous hostelry.

"The di.splay which lasted for nearly an hour
was brought to a close with the 'Good Night' piece
and the band played 'America,' closing the celebra-
tion, except the return for the thousands of visitors

228

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

from neighboring towns. It was after midnight be-
fore the last of the visitors were able to get home.

;' EDITORIAL COMMENTS.

The BaUston Journal: "It seems most superflous
to add a word to what has already been said of the
observance of the close of the first century of the
•municipal life of the village. If this celebration, and
the eloquent utterances of the many speakers, shall
have served to increase the pride of our citizens in
their village, shall have determined them to ever
work for its betterment, civil and religious, the cel-
ebration will not have been in vain, and time and
money not ill spent.

"Praises unstinted have been showered upon us.
Ballston has been heralded far and near as a de-
sirable place of residence. Its home life and civic
government lauded unceasingly. Let us resolve
that nothing shall occur to mar its good name.

"Of the celebration itself it has been fully de-
scribed in the news columns of the paper and will
no doubt be read with interest now, perhaps in
future years will be perused with still greater in-
terest.

"Much honor is due to the citizens of the village
who have spared neither time nor effort to make
the celebration a splendid one."

The Sarotogian: "The people of the countv seat
have done well to commemorate so elaborately and
attractively this centennial. We are a young coun-
try, and to_ have reached the age of one hundred
years, is evidence of those qualities and virtues that
make a community worth while. It speaks of so-
lidity of purpose, of a community of interest, of a
municipal pride and an abiding faith in the beauties
and opportunities of a village that must draw to
it others who are seeking just such a place in which
to cast their lot."

The Troy Times: " 'Ballston Spa is a good old
town' and it is having a good old centennial.
Whether the ardor of the exercises has anything
to do with the fervency of the temperature does
not appear, but for more than a centurv Ballston
Spa has been noted for its underground connections
with vigorous waters and there may be a hidden
connection between mineralogy and meteorology.
Anyway, Ballston Spa is proving that it has not
only developed many worthy sons and daughters,
but has enriched the population of other places by
contributions of distinguished men. Saratoga
county is a glorious old division of the state, and
Ballston Spa came pretty near seeing that county
first. ^ Here's to another century of good spring's
and just as good summers, autumns and winters."

The Ballston Daily News: "Judge L'Amoreaux
thrilled the vast throng with his inspiring speech,
which won him new laurels."

"The 'glory, fame and greatness' of Ballston Spa
have seldom inspired a speaker as it did Tudge
Jesse S. L'Amoreaux."

"The most inspiring number on the program was
the centennial ode composed and read by Rev
Howard B. Grose of New York, a former resident

of Ballston Spa, who now holds a position high in
Baptist literary circles.

"The ode was a meritorious composition and held
the closest attention of the vast concourse of peo-
ple during its recital. Rev. Mr. Grose had woven
together in clever rhyme many historical facts of
Ballston Spa and many events which had come un-
der his personal observation during his residence
in this village. The prospect of listening to a cen-
tennial ode IS not cheerful, but the crowd remained
to listen and had the heartiest series of laughs it
has had m years. Few, if any within the hearing
of his voice left as Mr. Grose read poem after poem
about Ballston Spa. The audience regretted when
he finished; it would like to have heard more."

CENTENNIAL ECHOES.

The Ballston Journal of August 3, pub-
lished the following, under the head of
"Echoes of the Centennial:"

"Hon. George W. Clark, of New York City, was
an honored guest at the centennial celebration He
is a brother-in-law of Mr. S. B. Medbery and
although long a resident of New York, his frequent
visits in the summer season to our village, have made
him well-known in the communitv. Mr. Clark sends
us a most interesting account of his recent visit
He writes :

"Editor Ballston Journal: I was born at West
Milton April i, 1817, and when at 90, I received the
invitation some two weeks previous to the celebra-
tion of Ballston's centennial, to be present. I was
recovering from pneumonia, which very few of my
age survive, and I was not certain of being able to
attend. A few days, however, before the centennial
proceedings began, my doctor told me I could go if
I would be careful to be on my feet as little as pos-
sible. I took my wife, and with the delightful hos-
pitality of the McKnight familv. I shall never re-
gret this Centennial visit to my birthplace. But
the program of exercises for the great occasion had
to be made up before I could advise the Committee
of Arrangements that I would be able to come, thus
happily free from any possible special dutv, the
District Attorney's auto at my service, with himself
for company as chauffeur, we saw all parts of Balls-
Ion, never as beautiful as before; shook hands with
old friends we met in our drives, and attended all
the attractively arranged features of the grand cen-
tennial event.

"The splendid portraiture of Ballston Spa's one
hundred years history, as given by the committee
which planned the centennial doings, including its
poet and orators, is evidence that there has been
no degeneracy in the intelligence and public spirit
of Ballston's present citizenship. As the noble and
thrilling speeches were made from the platform
before a vast audience. I grew prouder'and prouder
of being a native of Ballston. Wiswall's eloquent
greeting of the people : Judge L'Amoreaux's charm-
ing address, a scholarly pen picture of Ballston's
hundred years ; the poem by Rev. Howard B. Grose,
which will never be forgotten by the lovers of truth

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

229

and beauty of expression; William L. Stone's revel-
ation of new light on the Declaration of Independ-
ence were warmly received, while the grand oration
by Gen. H. C. King completely captured the favor
of ten thousand listeners. Only once did his faint-
ness in praising Ballston Spa get the best of him.
In speaking of our victory over Burgoyne, he says :
'Ballston Spa has a right to a full share of the
glory of this achievement.' He admits this victory
for the colonies was 'a Waterloo to British hopes.'
It weakened and discouraged .their fighting forces,
and soon led to their surrender. The colonies' in-
dependence was not long delayed, and to-day, in-
stead of being under the rule of Great Britain, the
United States stand at the very head of nationally
organized humanity. The great victory at Bemis
Heights, on the soil of Saratoga county, of which
Ballston Spa is the capital, was an achievement
which measured by its beneficent results to the
world outranks all the ambitious battles of ancient
or modern times, and entitles it to immortal fame
rather than simply a share of its glory. No wonder
all native Ballstonians are proud of their mother

earth that also gave birth in fact to the grandest
Republic in history.

"Respectfully,

"George W. Clark."

As a final word, and because it deserves a
permanent place in the record, the work of
the Finance Committee should have special
mention. Each committee performed its
duties zealously and with conspicuous suc-
cess, but to the committee on finance is to be
accorded the unusual praise of providing
"ways and means" which enabled the Cen-
tennial Association to meet all the expenses
of the splendid celebration, and after the last
bill had been paid to report a balance in the
treasury of about twenty dollars. The total
amount contributed cheerfully and generously
by our citizens was, in round numbers, two
thousand dollars.

JOEL LEE.

EDWARD \V. LEE.

JOHN J. LEE.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

231

Biographical

IN the one hundred years' history of the
village of Ballston Spa, there are five
families which have been prominently
identified with its religious, social, busi-
ness and professional life, from the earliest
davs to the present time. In chronological
order they are: Joseph Westcot, 1795; Joel
Lee, 1797; Samuel Smith, 1806; James
Thompson, 1806; Moses Williams, 1807.

THE LEE FAMILY.

John Lee came from Danbury, Conn., in
1793, with his wife jmd six children: Elias,
Joel, William, Noah, Abigail and Ruth. He
settled in Milton, west of Rock City Falls.
Elias Lee was the first pastor of the Baptist
church, and a sketch of his life is given in
the history of that pioneer village church.

Joel Lee was born in Danbury, Conn.,
April 12, 1776. On reaching his majority
in 1797, he purchased a farm in Ballston,
(in recent years known as the Amos Hewitt
farm) and built a house on the site of the
present Hewitt house. Irr 1800 he began
business as a merchant in the growing village
of Ballston Spa, opening a "general store"
for the sale of dry goods, groceries, hard-
ware, crockery, etc., etc. March 25, 1805, he
was appointed postmaster, and continued to
hold the office for thirty-six years. In 1806,
he purchased a plot of ground at the corner
of Front and Bath streets and built a store
on the corner, where the First National Bank
is now located. The post-office was kept
in this store until 1841, when he was suc-
ceeded as postmaster by James W. Horton.
In 1 83 1 he built the stone house on Bath
street, north of his store, for his son Edward
as a wedding gift, who resided there for many
years. In 1834 his oldest son, Edward W.,
became his business partner, under the firm
name of Joel Lee & Son. He retired from
business in 1845, after having been one of
the prominent men of the community for
half a century. Mr. Lee was Member of
I

Assembly in 1810, and again in 1836. He
married Patience Westcot, daughter of
Joseph Westcot. Their children were Ed-
ward W., John J., George W., Julia, Emeline,
Augusta, Lucy, Mary and Frances.

Edward Wescot Lee was born in Ballston
Spa, May 3, 1809, and was the eldest son of
Joel Lee. He died August 3, 1891, aged
eighty-two years, at the time of his decease
being the oldest native resident of the vil-
lage. Early in life he became associated
with his father in mercantile trade, and for
half a century was one of the leading mer-
chants of Ballston Spa. He was county
treasurer one term, 1847-8-9, and also county
superintendent of the poor. He was a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church, and for
many years an elder of the church. A mem-
ber of the Saratoga County Bible Society,
he was its president in 1875, and for many
years the treasurer of the Society. His
whole life was passed in the village of his
birth, and he enjoyed the respect and esteem
of a very wide circle of friends and acquaint-
ances.

John Joel Lee was bom in Ballston Spa,
August 22, 181 7, and was the second son of
Joel Lee. When a young man he went to
New York where he learned the goldsmith's
trade, and his principal recreation was found
in the hours he employed in fashioning beau-
tiful specimens of his skill for his friends.
He was connected with the Ballston Spa
Bank, as teller and cashier, from its organ-
ization until his death, over forty-eight years.
With the exception of the two years in New
York, Mr. Lee was a resident of his native
village, and through a long life of honest,
conscientious endeavor to discharge faith-
fully everv trust committed to him, had won
the respect and esteem of the entire com-
munity, and a much larger circle of friends
and acquaintances with whom he had come
in contact through his connection with the
Bank. In early life he became a communi-

232

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

cant of the Baptist Church. He was a prom-
inent Mason, and a member of FrankHn
Lodge, Warren Chapter and Washington
Commandery. He was also an Odd Fellow,
being a Past Grand of old Kayaderosseras
Lodge. He died October 6, 1887, full of
years and honors, at the age of seventy.

George W. Lee was bom in Ballston Spa
October 6, 1825. The greater part of his
life, after arriving at his majority, was spent
m the West. He died in Virginia City, Ne-
vada, September 26, 1879, aged fiftv-four
years.

Julia Lee married Robert Bennett, a mer-
chant in the village, and after his death be-
came the wife of Jonathan S. Beach ; Emeline
married David F. White, a son of Epenetus
White, Jr. ; Augusta married John W. Thomp-
son; Lucy married George G. Scott; Mary
married Nathaniel M. Clark; Frances mar-
ried Callender Beecher, a rising young law-
yer of the village, and several years after his
death became the wife of John McLean.
Mrs. McLean is now one of Ballston's oldest
residents, and the only survivor of the familv
of Joel Lee.

The surviving members of the family of
Edward W. Lee are Mrs. Frederick T
Powell, Miss Mary J. Lee and iMrs. Edward
F. Grose, of Ballston Spa; Mrs. John Ar-
buckle, of Watkins, N. Y., and Walter S
Lee, of Boulder, Colorado.

Mrs. Isabel Lee Parmenter, of Saratoga
Springs, IS the only survivor of John J. Lee.

engaged exclusively in the business of a
druggist. This is the only store in the vil-
lage that has remained in possession of
the descendants of the original owner until
the present time. He died May 15, 1862,
aged 71 years. For many years he 'was a
member of Christ church, and one of its ves-

THE WESTCOT FAMILY.

Joseph Westcot came from Stephentown
Rensselaer county, to Ballston Spa, and in
1795. in company with Reuben Hewitt pur-
chased the hotel of Benajah Douglas, (now
Brookside). At this time his son Reuben
was in his fourth year.

Reuben Westcot, born November 25, 1791
had just reached his majority when the war
of 1812 broke out. He enlisted as a volun-
teer, and rose to the rank of captain. After
the close of the war he returned to this vil-
lage, and in 18 15 opened a general store. In
1818 he built the store now occupied by H.
C. Westcot, his grandson, adjoining the First
National Bank. In 184 1 Mr. Westcot closed
out his stock of dry goods and groceries and

KECCEN Wri.STCOT.

trymen. He was widely known as an enter-
prising business man, and was highly re-
spected as a citizen. He was a trustee of the
village for seven years, a coroner of the coun-
ty, and in 185 1 and 1855 was village presi-
dent.

The children of Reuben Westcot were John
H., Joseph E., Sarah, Mary and Frances.

John Howard Westcot was born in Balls-
ton Spa September 20, 1823. Throughout
his whole life, which was spent in his native
village, he enjoyed, and was worthv of the
confidence and esteem of all with whom he
became associated. He succeeded to the
business of his father, which he continued
until his death. He was a member of Christ
church, a member of the vestry, and for the
last ten years of his life its junior warden.
He was trustee of the village four years, and
village president in 1866-7. He was also a
member of the Board of Education. Prom-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

233

inent in Masonic circles, he was a member of
Franklin Lodge, Warren Chapter, Bless
Council, of Troy, Washington Commandery,

■f

JUH.V II. WESTCOT.

of Saratoga Springs, and Oriental Temple,
Mystic Shrine, Troy. He died February 20,
1895, aged /2 years, and was buried with the
honors of Knight Tcniplarisni.

JOSEPH E. WESTCOT
At his Desk in County Clerk's Office.

Joseph E. W'cstcot was born in Ballston
Spa September 17, 1827. He was a copyist
in the county clerk's office from 1847 to
1852. He was engaged in business for some

years in New Orleans, and on returning to
this village in 1871, he was employed in the
county clerk's office, engaged in re-indexing
the records. On the death of John B. Mc-
Lean, December 24, 1879, he was appointed
deputy county clerk, and held that position
for twenty years. He was village trustee
for two terms. In the discharge of the im-
portant and exacting duties of deputy county
clerk he displayed a rare efficiency. He died
June I, 1902, aged 75 years.

Sarah Westcot married Lorenzo Kelly,
who afterward became the publisher of the
Rochester Union and Advertiser ; Mary
never married; Frances became the wife of
Nathan J. Johnson, a lawyer by profession.
He was Lieutenant-Colonel of the 115th New
York Volunteers in the Civil war.

The only survivors of this old Ballston
family residing in the village are a son and
daughter of John H. Westcot: Mrs. Fanny
Kline and Herbert C. Westcot. Another son
is Reuben W. Westcot, of Yonkers, N. Y.

THE SAHTH FAMILY.

Andrew Watrous Smith was born in Balls-
ton Spa December 12, 1812. When about
eighteen years of age he went to New Orleans
and took a clerkship in the banking house of
Edward McMaster, also a native of Ballston.
A few years later he was joined by his younger
brother, Samuel, and subsequently they
formed the banking house of Smith Brothers
& Company, of New Orleans.

When the war of the rebellion broke out
they were doing a heavy business as bankers
and cotton brokers. At the time the city
was captured by the forces under Gen. But-
ler, there were .$90,000 in gold in their vaults.
This was confiscated by Gen. Butler's orders,
and the Smith Brothers closed their doors
and returned to their native town, in which
they had always spent the summer seasons.
After the close of the war they brought suit
against Gen. Butler in the United States Su-
preme Court and recovered their property.
They then reopened their banking house in
New Orleans and continued business until
1870, when they sold out and returned to
their native village to reside for the remainder
of their days.

Andrew Smith purchased the mansion of

234

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Robert P. McMaster, on High street, and
here his widow still resides. He died Jan-
uary 25, 1886, in the seventy-fourth year of
his age. His widow, Mrs. Emma Thomp-
son Smith, daughter of the late George
Thompson, survives him, and four sons,
Samuel, George T., Roland W. and Ed-
ward L.

Samuel Smith, brother of Andrew, was
born in Ballston Spa, February 4, 1819. After
his return from New Orleans in 1870, he
built a large mansion at the corner of High
street and Ballston avenue, and made
his home in this village until his death on
February 16, 1884, aged sixty-five years.
His widow and four children survive him:
Andrew W. and Sidney J., of New York;
Cora, Countess of Strafford, England, and
Ada, Mrs. Alfred Kessler, of New York.

Robert P. Smith, a younger brother, was
born in Ballston Spa April 30, 1827.' He
was employed by Andrew and Samuel in the
banking business at New Orleans. He also
made this village his home during the latter
years of his life. He died April 29, 1881,
aged fifty-four years. These three brothers
were genial, whole-souled gentlemen, highly
respected throughout the community, and
with a large circle of friends and acquaint-
ances in their native town.

Their father, Samuel Smith, was one of
the first merchant tailors of this village. He
commenced business here about the time the
village was incorporated. He was born in
the town of Balls-town in 1780, his father
Thomas Smith, being one of the pioneer set-
tlers of the town. Samuel Smith married
Lucinda Watrous, daughter of Edward A.
Watrous, another pioneer settler of the
town. There were four daughters: Char-
lotte, wlio married Wheeler K. Booth: Ann
married Nathaniel Montrose of New Or-
leans; Alicia married Samuel S. Wakeman;
Mary married Dr. Leverett Moore; Martha
married Thomas S. Dugan of New Orleans.
Mrs. Montrose still resides in this village
and is the sole survivor of the family of
Samuel Smith.

THE THOMPSON FAMILY.

John Thompson, one of the pioneers of
Saratoga county, settled in the town of Still-
water in 1763. In 1791 he was commissioned

First Judge of the county. Judge Thomp-
son was afterward a Member of Congress
from 1799 to 1 80 1, and was also a delegate
to the Constitutional Convention which met
at Albany October 13, 1801.. He was again
elected to Congress, serving two terms, from
1807 to 181 1. Prior to the organization of
the county he had represented this part of
Albany county in the Assembly of 1789.
John Thompson was the father of James
Thompson, who was also commissioned First
Judge of the county, and remained on the
bench from 1818 to 1833. In 1806 he pur-
chased a farm in Milton, about two miles
northwest of Ballston Spa, which has since
been known as the "Judge Thompson place."
His son, John Whalen Thompson, the sub-
ject of this sketch, succeeded to the judicial
honors of the family, having been Surrogate
of the county from 1834 to 1847. He was
born at the family homestead in Milton, De-
cember 29, 1808. He graduated from Union
College in 1827, and the same year com-
menced the study of the law. He was ad-
mitted as an attorney in 1831, and formed a
law partnership with Anson Brown, which
was continued with success until Mr. Brown's
death, while a Representative in Congress, in
1840. In 1834 Mr. Thompson was appointed
Surrogate by Governor Marcy, and remained
in office until the new State Constitution took
effect in 1847. He was Supervisor of Milton
in 1854. One of the incorporators of the
Ballston Spa Bank, and one of the first board
of directors, he was elected President in 1856,
on the resignation of James M. Cook, who
had received the appointment of Superin-
tendent of the State Banking Department.
From this time on, he devoted his time to
financial affairs, continuing as President of
the Ballston Spa National Bank until his
death on the 28th of June, 1892. in his eighty-
fourth year.

August 29, 1S35, he wedded Augusta Isa-
bella Lee, a daughter of Joel Lee. Their
children were George L., Samuel, Alice and
Frank.

George L. Thompson succeeded his father
as President of the Bank. He was Super-
visor of Milton in 1876-7-8-9, and again in
1 88 1 -2-3-4. He was the only one of the
children who married. His widow, and two
children, George and Annie, survive him.

SAMUEL SMITH.

ANDREW W. SMITH.

SAMUEL SMITH, Jr.

ROBERT P. SMITH.

JOHN \V. TIIOMPSO.X.

GEORGE L. THOMPSON.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

237

Alice Thompson died in Nice, Italy, in
1898; Samuel died in 1899, and Frank in
1902, at the homestead on High street.

George Thompson, the elder brother of
John W., was an alumnus of Union College,
of the class of 1822, and was County Treas-
urer four terms, from 1831 to 1844; a village
trustee in 1835 and again in 1850, being
elected President the latter year. He was a
life-long resident of Ballston Spa, largely
identified with Ballston's business interests.
He died at his home on Milton avenue in the
year 1871. Two daughters survive him.
Mrs. Andrew W. Smith, of this village, and
Mrs. Fanny Soutter, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

THE WILLIAMS FAAIILY.

MOSES WILLIAMS.

Moses Williams was born in 1787, and be-
came a resident of Ballston Spa a few years
before its incorporation. He learned the
trade of shoemaking, and soon after attain-
ing his majority opened a shoe manufactory,
and a few years later also engaged in the
tannery business. He was appointed post-
master in 1853, and held the office for eight
years. In 1815-16 he was village trustee. He
was widely known as one of the prominent

men of the village, and at the time of his de-
cease was its oldest inhabitant. He died June
18, 1863, aged seventy-seven years.

The children of Moses Williams were
Jacob Henry Williams, Moses Lemet, Peter
Piatt, Anna Maria, Sarah Matilda, Mary

M. LEMET \\ILLI.\MS.

McCrea, Charlotte, and Elouisa. Anna be-
came the wife of Edward W. Lee; Sarah
married James B. Sargent, a civil engineer,
engaged on public works. The Saratoga and
Whitehall railroad, and the Harlem railroad
were constructed under his supervision. Mary
and Charlotte never married. Elouisa became
the wife of Rev. Samuel Irenaeus Prime, the
first pastor of the Presbyterian Church.

Moses Lemet Williams was born in this
village March 11, 1826. From 1847 to 1855
he was deputy county clerk. He resigned
that position to engage in the business of
druggist, and continued this business until
his death. In 1861 he was appointed post-
master by President Lincoln ; was reappointed
in 1865, resigning the office in 1868 on ac-
count of declining health. He was also a
village trustee. He died October 19, 1869,
aged forty-three years. Lemet Williams
was a very popular man in the community.

238

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

enjoying the confidence and friendship of a
very wide circle. A Republican in politics,
and a leader in his party, he was uncom-
promising in his support of the Government
during the civil war.

Piatt Williams was born in Ballston Spa
December 19, 1827. He qualified himself
as a civil engineer, and was one of the en-
gineering corps engaged in building the
Hudson River railroad. He was also em-
ployed in the construction of the Saratoga
and Whitehall railroad, the Kansas Pacific,
and other western roads. He also served as
clerk in the State banking department, when
a young man, luider Hon. James M. Cook.
He was a soldier in the civil war, serving in
the 13th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. He died
October 12, 1883, aged fifty-six years. None
of the children of ]\Ioses Williams are living.

The survivors of the Williams family still
living in Ballston Spa are ^liss Sarah M.
Sargent and Miss Ada \\'illiams, and the
children of Edward W. Lee, mentioned in
the prec(^ding' sketch of that family.

JOHN W. TAYLOR.

Hon. John W. Taylor, one of the most
distinguished men in political life, in both
state and nation, that Saratoga county has
ever produced, was throughout his public
career a resident of l3allston Spa. He was
born in the town of Charlton (then Ballston)
March 26, 1784. His father was John Tay-
lor, who moved from Freehold, New Jersey,
to the "new country" in the State of New
York, and settled in Charlton in 1774. John
Taylor was Supervisor of Charlton in 1794
and 1798, in the former year being chosen
Moderator of the Board; judge of the county
court from 1809 to 1818, inclusive; l\Iem-
ber of Assembly in 1797 ; justice of the peace
in 1808, and State Commissioner of Loans in
Saratoga county. He died at the home of
his son in Ballston Spa at the age of eighty
years.

John W. Taylor graduated from Union
College, Schenectady, in 1803, at the early
age of nineteen years, and was the valedic-
torian of his class. The same year he organ-
ized the Ballston .\cademy in the "old red
meeting house," in the locality which since
then has been known as Academy Hill. He

also began the study of law with Samuel
Cook, and in 1807 opened an office at Court
House Hill in connection with that gentle-
man. Subsequently they engaged in the lum-
ber business, to superintend which Mr.
Taylor removed to Jessup's Landing, then in
the town of Hadley. In 181 1 he was elected
Member of Assembly, and at the close of the
legislative session in 1812 he purchased the
residence of Epenetus White, Jr., on West
High street, and soon after removed the

JOHN W. TAYLOR.

house to an adjoining lot, and erected the
large mansion which was his home for thirty
years, and is now the residence of Mr. John
Brown. Miss Winifred Louise Taylor, a
grand-daughter, has written the author in a
most entertaining manner concerning her
illustrious ancestor, and with her permission
we shall quote liberally from her letter. Re-
garding the home in Ballston Spa she writes :
"In a very interesting old letter, written in Feb-
ruary, 1812, by Mayor Richard Cox, of Mt. Holly,
N. J., who was making a journey of 'upward of
1,600 miles,' with his family in his own'carriage to
visit his relatives — he was a brother to my grand-
father's mother — I find this statement relative to my
grandfather : 'John is building him a house ; at their
last election he was chosen representative in their
legislature.' Probably the beautiful old mantel and
woodwork imported from England still remain in

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

239

the house. The fine old brass knocker, also an im-
portation, remained on the door of the hoiise until
some ten years ago, when jMr. Brown sold it to my
brother, and it is now on the front door of my
father's house."

In 1813 ]\Ir. Taylor was again a member
s; of the Assembly, and at the election in this
year he was chosen to represent Saratoga
county (the eleventh district) in the Thir-
teenth Congress, and was a member of con-
gress uninterruptedly for twenty years. He
was elected Speaker of the House of Repre-
sentatives for the second session of the Six-
teenth Congress, as successor of Henry Clay,
and in 1825 was chosen Speaker of the Nine-
teenth Congress for the full term. He was
the only citizen of New York who ever held
the third place in our government. On the
admission of Missouri he delivered the first
speech ever made in Congress squarely op-
posing the extension of slavery. A contem-
porary of Webster, Clay and Calhoun, a bril-
liant orator and statesman, and a mail of
rare judgment and experience, he was a
leader of public opinion in his time, and was
often consulted in national affairs by Presi-
dents Madison, Monroe and Adams.

The Ballston Spa Gazette, in its issue of
December 13. 1825, said editorially of the
election of John W. Taylor as Speaker:

"We felicitate the freemen of this county in the
result of the choice of our honorable representa-
tive, Mr. John W. Taylor, as Speaker of the House
of Representatives of the United States. This is
not alone a triumph over the machinations of Van
Buren and the Crawford party, but it is a trmmph
of modest merit over a clan of political disorgan-
izers, headed by the honorable Mr. Van Buren.
Yes, freemen of Saratoga, the man of your choice
has proved himself worthy of the high station of
Speaker of the 19th Congress of the United States.
And what better evidence of his standing can you
require, than that of his receiving the support of
such a constellation of talents as compose this
isj. Congress. Mr. Taylor was elected on the second
/■ ballot bv the following vote : For John W. Taylor,
/ 99: John W. Campbell of Ohio, 42: Louis McLane,
Delaware. 44; A. Stevenson, of Virginia, 5; scat-
tering 5."

In 1840 he was elected to the State Senate,
which was then the highest court of appeal
""^ in the State. In 1841 while preparing opin-
ions in cases argued in that court, he was
stricken with paralysis, permanently disabled,
and resigned his senatorial office. He re-
moved to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1843, making
his home with his eldest daughter, Mrs. Wil-

liam D. Beattie, his wife having died about
five years previously. He died September
18, 1854, aged seventy years, and his body
was brought to Ballston Spa and buried by
the side of his wife in the family lot, in the
village cemetery. A plain white stone marks
the grave, bearing this inscription : "John
W. Tavlor. Born March 26, 1784: Died Sept.
18, 1854."

"Mr. Taylor was a gentleman of the old
school, polite and courteous, an eloquent and
forcible speaker, and delivered frequent ora-
tions on literary and national topics. He was
a National Republican and a Whig. In pri-
vate life he was retiring, fond of cultivating
his garden, and generous in distributing its
fruits and flowers. He hated corruption in
politics and spurned the use of money for
political personal success, and his constit-
uency always retained unwavering confidence
in his sterling integrity."

July 4, 1826, he delivered the oration at
the celebration in this village of the fiftieth
anniversary of American Independence. A
member of the Phi Betta Kappa, he delivered
before that society, at Harvard College, the
commencement oration in 1827. He was a
vestryman of Christ Church (Episcopalian)
in this village, and was one of the founders
of the Saratoga County Bible Society in 18 15.
On the last visit of General Lafayette, of
France, to the United States, in 1824. he ac-
companied him through the New England
states.

Miss Taylor writes:

"I never saw my grandfather, but I have a num-
ber of letters in his ovi-n beautiful, clear handwriting.
Perhaps the strongest impression that they give me
is of the courtly dignity of the man ; but in his busi-
ness letters I find always the most scrupulous re-
gard for the rights and claims of others, — and in
friendship, always the most grateful remembrance
of kindnesses received. As an example I quote from
a letter written in 1846. Referring to an old friend
who was ill, he writes :

'I pray for her speedy recovery. My recollections
of her are associated with those days full of hope,
when life was young. One incident among a thou-
sand now occurs. Soon after marriage I went with
my wife to Union College to deliver a Master's
Oration and receive the degree of A.M. Carriages
being all engaged we walked from Givens' Hotel
after dinner to the church; a storm arose and
flooded the streets; my wife was with thin kid slip-
pers and silk gauze stockings, and before reaching
the church they were well soaked. The prospect
of sitting thus through the long exercises was any-

240

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

thing but comfortable. I could not go out with
her and neglect my part, but we were scarcely seated
when Mrs. Foot, taking the stove from under her
feet, drew my attention with a parasol, and reached
the stove to me over intervening seats, which made
my wife quite comfortable during the meeting. It
was so considerate, self-denying and motherly that
my wife remembered it to the last.' " This quaint
picture of by-gone days in Schenectady is worthy
of preservation.

"My grandfather's letters to his wife are classics
in their line, expressin<r romantic devotion in forms

and usefulness. Cultivate, my sweet girl, habitual
kindness in your intercourse with your brothers and
sisters ; affectionate respect and confidence in your
dear mother, and perfect truth in your communi-
cations with everybody. Observe these rules and
honor and happiness are sure to be yours. If I
rightly remember you encouraged me to expect a
letter from you during the present session. Pray
don't disappoint me.

From your affectionate father,

John- W. Taylor."
"Miss Malvina Tavlor."

ft ^

,^*^*'V^'*^v ../ .

^B ■■■^^^^•^^^■IK.I

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■■i^^^ '/'■■ ■?

5 ft-

"'^y

z= . iiiii ; »= ■ —

RESIDENCE OF JOHN \V. TAYLOR.
Now the Home of John Brown.

as dejicate and stately as the minuet of their youth-
ful days. A letter to his eleven year old daughter
is an extreme example of his ceremonious manner,
but shows also his characteristic attitude of defer-
ence towards the fair sex:

"Washington, March 9th, 1826.
"Accept, dear Malvina, the congratulations of a
parent who loves you, on the returning anniversary
of your birth. Entering now into your twelfth
year, the improvement of every week becomes more
and more important to your future respectability

"In social life everywhere he seems to have been
distinguished for his brilliant and genial urbanity.
My grandfather's eldest son, John W. Taylor, who
died in New York five years ago, knew and re-
membered more of the life in the Ballston home
than any other member of the family, aijd in one of
his letters to me I find this interesting bit :

'Henry Clay was visiting my father at Ballston
Spa when I was a lad, and I remember Mr. Clay's
placing his hand on my shoulder, with the remark,
'You don't know how popular your father was in
Washington. Dolly Madison used to say there was

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

241

always something wanting at a dinner or a party
if Mr. Taylor was absent.'

"Of Dolly Madison's friendship for my grand-
father we have a most valuable token, preserved
in a beautiful family heirloom. Dolly Madison gave
to my grandfather a small piece of the cloth of
silver of Lady Washington's wedding dress. This
precious fabric my grandfather had mounted as a
brooch encircled with pearls — and the silver fabric
is crossed by a true-lover's knot of the hair of him-
self and his wife, and was given by him to my
grandmother. This pin was worn by my mother,
Mrs. Oscar Taylor, in 1903, when she unveiled, in
the presence of President Roosevelt a memorial stone
erected by the Freeport Woman's Club, to mark
the spot where the great Lincoln and Douglas de-
bate took place in Freeport in 1858. So do lives
long past into the Great Beyond reach down through
the vista of years and link themselves with present
events."

Miss Taylor also sends a description of a
dinner given by the British Minister in Wash-
ington. It is a glimpse of official life in the
nation's capital in early days, that is as in-
teresting as it is rare. Mr. Taylor, then
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
writes tmder date of April 24, 1826:

.\ DIPLOMATIC DINNER.

"I attended a grand diplomatic dinner given by
Mr. Vaughan in commemoration of the birth-day
of His Britannic Majesty. The presiding officers
of both Houses of Congress ; the heads of depart-
ments and the Foreign Ministers with their secre-
taries and attaches were their guests. The ministers
with their suites were in court dresses, embroidered
witli gold — all wore swords and carried chapeaux
in their hands while waiting in the receiving room
for an hour until dinner was announced. The pre-
siding officers of the two houses led the way into
the dining room, and were followed by the Min-
isters according to their respective rank. After
these came the secretaries of legation and the at-
taches. I did not observe whether the heads of
departments. Secretary of State, of War, of the
Treasury, etc., preceded or followed the Ministers
Plenipotentiary. The contrast to all the finery of
the Diplomatic Corps exhibited in the plain citi-
zens dress worn by Mr. Calhoun and myself, was
heightened by the consideration that precedence in
rank was assigned to us. Without insignia of no-
bility or knighthood, without ribbands, stars or
crosses, we occupied a station in advance of Barons,
Counts and Chevaliers. The variety and exquisite
flavor of the wines ; the delicacy of the almost end-
less succession of dishes ; the ingenuity in the forms
of their preparation : the superbly wrought and mas-
sive plate ; the discipline of the numerous and well
marshalled waiters and attendants, with their red
velvet vests and small clothes, white stockings and
large drab coats lined with silk, and powdered
heads, all gave an appearance of stateliness to the
ceremony calculated to produce considerable eflfect

After the last course of dessert, bouquets were dis-
tributed made up of hyacinths, tulips, wall flowers
and cedar leaves. Having retired to the drawing
room coffee was served, and afterwards liquor. I
forgot to mention that the health of the King and
President were drank standing, in champagne, be-
tween the meats and the dessert. We were invited
at S, sat down at 6, and retired at 9. We had green
peas brought from Norfolk in Virginia."

UNION SUNDAY SCHOOL.

In the faithful discharge of his public
duties; in responding to the frequent de-
mands for addresses on public occasions, on
a great variety of topics, and in the practice
of his profession, Mr. Taylor led a busy life.
He found time, however, to engage in re-
ligious work. One of the organizers of the
Saratoga County Bible Society in August,
181 5, in October following he organized an
auxiliary society in the town of Ballston, and
was its first president. He also organized a
large Union Sunday School in Ballston Spa,
which met every Sunday afternoon in the
Baptist Church, and of which he was the
president, as well as the teacher of a large
Bible class of adults.

In the Museum in the High School build-
ing, a record of this Sunday School, in the
handwriting of Mr. Taylor, is preserved.
The record reads :

"Sunday School, June 11, 1820. — Directors until
the annual meeting to be held on the last Monday
in May, 1821, at seven o'clock p. M., at the Academy:
Elder Langworthy, Elder Lee, Rev. Mr. Clark, (Mr.
Clark was rector of Christ Church), John W. Tay-
lor, Thomas Palmer, Oren Sage, Hezekiah Middle-
brook, Jr., Am.os Allcott, George Lockwood, Aaron
Nash, James Comstock, Epenetus White, Lyman B.
Langworthy, Farquhar AfcBain, John Marchant,
John W. Taylor, president; Amos Allcott, secretary.

Mr. Cande, teacher — Eliza White, Caroline Allcott,
Sarah Ann Wright, Eliza Ann Taylor, Camilla Dix.

Miss Roe, teacher — Augusta Lee, Mary Jane
Allcott, Almira Middlebrook, Mary Dix, Caroline
Pitkin.

Miss Nash, teacher — Mary Ann Burnet, Anna
Maria Burtis, Roxa Matilda Nichols, Amanda Ban-
nister, Elizabeth Jack.

J. McMaster, teacher — Charlotte Simmons, Char-
lotte Smith, Amanda Langworthy, Frances Barnum,
Abba Clark.

C. Dunning, teacher — Fidelia Dix, Hannah Bar-
low, Jerusha Morehouse, Zilpha Palmer, Mary
Clark, Lucy Bridges, Sally Maria Gilchrist, Emily
Sage, Lucy Lee.

J. Comstock, teacher — James H. Taylor, William
W. Allcott. William Lee Roe, James Kidd.

Robert Dunchie, teacher — William C. Barker,

242

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Eliakim C. Barker, John Barlow, Rensselaer Peck-
ham, Nelson Sage, Samuel T. Spears.

Coloured Classes — V. Vanderhuyden, teacher —
Nancy Aldridge, Cecilia Adkins, Jane White, Har-
riet Barnum, Sarah Aldridge.

James Grant, teacher — Rebecca Linet, Judah Li-
net, Rebecca Linet, 2nd, Phebe Adkins, Charles
Adkins.

R. Dunning, teacher — James Kidd, Isaac Craig,
John Lacy.

There is also a separate record of a class
taught by Mr. Taylor, which is evidently of
an earlier date. The class had one hundred
and thirty-four members. Among the num-
ber were William McCrea, Miles Beach,
Edward Watrous, Samuel Cook, Seth C.
Baldwin, Epenetus White, James Merrill,
Levi H. Palmer, James B. Aldridge and lady,
Joel Lee and lady, David McMaster and
lady, Moses Williams and lady, Reuben
Westcot and lady.

Mr. Taylor also made a record of the
Presbyterian members of his class, Septem-
ber 20, 1819: "Mrs. Marshall, George Lock-
wood, Jacob Van Der Heyden, Mrs. Dix, Mrs.
Kelly, Mrs. Williams, Miss Wendell, Aaron
Nash, James Comstock, Mrs. Comstock,
Reuben Sears, Mrs. Sears, Mrs. Freeman,
Mrs. E. D. Smith, Mrs. Asa Allcott, Robert
Dunshee, Joseph Eliot, Ulysses F. Double-
day, J. Newton Cande, Czar Dunning, Miss
Abigail Smith, Dirk L. Palmer, Mrs. Wen-
dell, Mrs. S. Tobv, Mrs. Wetmore,

Seeley."

OBSEQUIES OF JOHN W. TAYLOR.

The following account is from the Balls-
ton Journal of September 20, 1854:

"The news of the decease of Hon. John W. Tay-
lor, was received with deep sorrow in this village,
the place of his former residence, and which he
always delighted to call 'his home.' His last re-
quest was that his remains should be buried here;
and the affection for the place in which he had re-
ceived his many and gratifying political triumphs
which this request exhibited, produced a deep feel-
ing of honor and respect on the part of our citi-
zens, and revived with all its former intensity the
love of those of his associates who are still alive.
The proceedings which are reported below, ex-
press the deep and fervent feeling which pervaded
all parties, and the speeches and resolutions are
worthy the occasion — worthy alike of the honored
dead and those who assembled to pay respect to a'
neighbor whose friendship they had enjoyed, and a
statesman whose position and talents had conferred
honor on his constituents and prominence on his
native county.

"Upon the announcement that his remains would
reach here on Wednesday noon, a public meeting
was immediately called at the Court House, and
a large number of citizens assembled to take part
in the proceedings. Lebbeus Booth was chosen
chairman, and Moses Williams, secretary. The
chairman briefly alluded to the object of the meet-
ing, and on motion, Wm. T. Ode!), Arnold Harris
and John C. Booth were appointed a committee to
report suitable resolutions. A committee consist- ■ 1
ing of Abel Meeker, Geo. G. Scott, James W. Cul- ■ I
ver, J. H. Spier and Moses Williams, was appointed
to receive the remains in behalf of the citizens of
the village. While the committee on resolutions
was preparing its report. Judge Scott and -Abel
Meeker addressed the assemblage.

"George G. Scott remarked as follows : 'This
is a solemn occasion. The mortal remains of an
old and esteemed friend and neighbor are about
to arrive amongst us from a distant State, on their
way to yonder cemetery, where manj', if not all of
us, before many years shall elapse, will follow.

'The deceased, in his time, filled for many years
a large space in the public eye. Among the many '/ .
distinguished men of whom this county can boast, f
there has not been one who has held such high
ofiicial position, and whose name has been so widely
and extensively known, as the individual whom we
are now about to follow to his grave.

"Mr. Taylor, as it is well known, was a native of
Charlton, in this county. He graduated at Union
College in 1803, with the highest honors of that
institution. On leaving college, he entered upon
the study of the law, and on his admission to the
Bar, he commenced its practice in this immediate
vicinity. Before he had an opportunity to distin-
guish himself in his profession, to any considerable
extent, he was sent from this county to the House
of Assembly. This was about the year 1812 — an
exciting period in both state and national politics.
In December of that year he was elected a Repre-
sentative in the Congress of the United States from
this District, which was then composed of Saratoga,
and two or three of our northern counties, and sub-
sequently reduced to Saratoga alone. Soon after
he had entered upon his parliamentary career, it
was discovered that his talents were admirably fitted
for that branch of the public service. Such was
the stand that he took in the House of Rep-
resentatives, that he was twice elected as the pre-
siding officer of that body, the third in position in
rank and dignity in the General Government, and
through four sessions discharged the duties of that
difficult and arduous station with signal ability
and to the general satisfaction. For twenty con- \
secutive years he was continued by a confiding con-
stituency a member of the House — a distinction,
which, if I mistake not, has in no other instance
been attained by a northern representative. At each
successive election (with the exception of 1824)
he encountered the most systematic, well organ-
ized and powerful opposition : but he seemed to be i
enthroned in the hearts of the people of his dis- *
trict, and, as was said of him by a contemporary,
'he was cheered when he flourished, and strength-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

243

ened when he fainted, as scarce ever was man be-
fore.' His commanding abilities and national rep-
utation, no doubt, contributed essentially to his
home popularity ; but the greatest secret of his
success was a happy combination of rare social
qualities, seldom found united in the same indi-
vidual. It was difficult to resist the fascination of
his polished manners, and the charm of his society
and conversation.

"It is a source of consolation to know that the
strong and prevailing desire of the last years of his
life is about to be accomplished ; that he will be
laid by the side of the partner of his youth, and
that his bones will repose so near his birth-place,
at the home of his manhood, and 'among the peo-
ple whom he loved so well.' "

"Abel Meeker, Esq., also alluded in some appro-
priate remarks to the many virtues of the deceased,
and related some very affecting reminiscences of
the private life of Mr. Taylor.

"Col. Wm. T. Odell, chairman of the committee
on resolutions, made the following remarks on the
introduction of the subjoined resolutions:

'Mr. Chairman — The committee appointed to draft
resolutions expressive of the sense of this meeting,
on this solemn occasion, have discharged that duty,
and are now ready to report. But before reading
the report, permit me, as a member of the com-
mittee, to speak for a moment of the veteran states-
man, the news of whose death has called us to-
gether. Brought up within a short distance of the
residence of the father of the deceased statesman,
whom I well remember, my earliest recollections
'' of a public man is of John W. Taylor. His polished
\ and affable manners excited my admiration. Perhaps
no man in this country understood so well the rules
that govern public assemblies, whether deliberative
or popular, and no one presided with greater dig-
nity. Long Speaker of the House of Representa-
tives ; and after he was succeeded by another gen-
tleman, it is said that no appeal was ever taken from
the decision of his successor, without first offering
to submit the point to Mr. Taylor. There his word
was law.

'Few young men (with whom he was acquainted)
studying for the profession to which he belonged,
will ever forget his salutary advice. He must have
been thoroughly acquainted with history, for his
constant advice to young men was to study well the
history of their own and their mother country. In
his death one more of the statesmen of an age that
is nearly passed, has gone to his long home, where
political strife and party contests shall no more
disturb his rest.'

"The following are the resolutions reported and
unanimously adopted :

'Whereas, We have learned with grief of the
death of our late distinguished fellow citizen, the
Hon. John W. Taylor, and being desirous of testi-
fying our respect for his character as a citizen, a
man of noble and generous nature, a lawyer of em-
inent ability, and a statesman who in his long and
distinguished career in both the State and National
councils, exhibited in the highest degree his intelli-
gent and disinterested patriotism, and his untiring

devotion to the interests and prosperity of his
countrj',

'Resolved, That while bowing in humble submis-
sion to this dispensation of an All-wise Providence,
we look back upon the life of the great and good
man who has gone to his rest with a worthy pride
in the memory he has left behind him : That from
his first entrance into public life as the representa-
tive of this, his native county, in the State Legisla-
ture in 1812, and during his distinguished career,
extended from 1814 to 1834 as our representative
in Congress, in which he stood side by side with
Clay, Webster, Calhoun and other worthies in the
laudable rivalry of patriotic services, and was chosen
to succeed the former great statesman as presiding
officer of the House of Representatives, we find no
stain upon the record to mar the symmetry of a
reputation founded upon abilities of the Highest
order and a patriotism of the purest integrity.

'Resolved, That his memory has been kept ever
green in our hearts since his departure from our
midst years ago on account of his declining health,
and as a citizen, neighbor and friend we ever have,
and ever shall cherish the liveliest recollection of
his many virtues: That in his earnest desire to be
brought back and buried among us, with whom he
had so often sympathized in distress and rejoiced
in prosperity, we recognize the warm-hearted affec-
tion he ever bore for us and ours.

'Resolved, That we tender our warmest sympathy
and condolence to his afflicted family and relatives
in their great loss, and recognizing therein the
hand of Him 'who doeth all things well,' we are
comforted by the assurance his well spent life af-
forded that he was not found unprepared for his
end, but went down into the 'dark valley of the
Shadow of Death' full of years and honors, and sus-
tained by a firm and unwavering faith in the
promises of the gospel.

■Resolved, That a copy of the proceedings of this
meeting be sent to his family, and that they be pub-
lished in the papers in this county and those of the
city of Albany. L. Booth, Chairman; Moses Wil-
liams, Secretary.' "

The Ballston Journal, Albert A. Moor,
editor, said editorially:

"Hon. John W. Taylor died in Cleveland, Ohio,
on the 17th inst., aged 70 years. It will be recol-
lected that he was a native of this county and a
resident of this village until 1843, when he removed
to the State of Ohio to spend the remainder of his
days with his son-in-law, Mr. Beattie.

"He had manifested great anxiety that his body
should be interred in the cemetery of Ballston Spa,
among his old neighbors and friends, who had al-
ways been dear to him. Previous to his death he
had written to his valued friend. Lebbeus Booth, re-
questing that his funeral might be attended from his
house ; and in accordance with his wishes funeral
ceremonies were observed on Thursday, the 21st
inst., at the Episcopal Church, by a large concourse
of old citizens and friends, whose memories called
forth many important events of his life, and dwelt
with pleasure on his many virtues.

244

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

"He was undoubtedly the most popular man we
ever had in this county, was chosen a Republican
member of the Legislature in 1811, and was the
ablest debater that party had in the Assembly. He
was elected to Congress in 1813, and represented
this District for twenty successive years. He was
chosen Speaker twice from among such men as
Randolph Lowndes, Sargent, Archer, Barbour, Floyd,
McLane, Mercer, Cobb, Gilmer, etc., a list of
great names never surpassed by any deliberative
body. He supported the administrations of Madison,
Monroe and Adams, and became a firm supporter
of Mr. Clay instead of General Jackson. He was
a warm advocate of the Missouri Compromise, and
his speech upon that question was able and fear-
less, and was widely circulated.

"He was influential in bringing forward his old
friend. Gen. Harrison as a candidate for the Pres-
idency, and was elected to the Senate of this State
in the fall of 1840. During the session of '40 and
'41 he was attacked with paralysis, from which he
never entirely recovered. While he was a Mem-
ber of Congress, Mr. Taylor was distinguished
for soundness of judgment, cautious forecast, and
as an able debater. He was eminently useful to
the people of his District in procuring pensions for
war-worn veterans, and although these duties were
promptly discharged, they were always gratuitous."

"He was also remarkable for his social qualities.
Affable, generous and polite, he was the delight of
his friends. His hospitalities were cheerful and
earnest, and no friend left him without a higher
estimation of his worth and happier for his visit.
His sympathies and liberalities reached the poor,
and they have been heard often to bless his name.

"The State of New York may have regarded
him as her most distinguished Representative in
Congress ; but Saratoga county claimed him as
her son."

JAMES M. COOK.

James M. Cook was born in Ballston Spa
in 1807, the year in which the village was
incorporated. His fatlier was Judge Samuel
Cook, who was a Master in Chancery in 1801 ;
E.xaminer in Chancery in 1823 ; and one of
the Judges of the Court of Coinmon Pleas in
1820.

Following in the footsteps of his father,
James M. Cook took up the study of the law
and was admitted to the Bar. He was one
of the organizers of the Ballston Spa Bank-
in 1838, and became its first president, serv-
ing in that capacity until 1856, when he de-
clined a re-election, having received the ap-
pointment of Superintendent of the State
Banking Department. About 1845 he pur-
chased the cotton mill on the island, now the

Island Paper Mill. His brother, Samuel H.
Cook, a year or two previous had purchased
the cotton factory a short distance to the
west, and the brothers became business part-
ners, and manufactured on an extensive scale
patent seamless cotton sacks. The busi-
ness was continued until the fall of 1862,
when the scarcity of cotton, due to the civil
war, compelled the mills to close.

Not only among the prominent men of
Saratoga county, but also of the State, Mr.

JAME.S M. COOK.

Cook Stood conspicious for more than a
quarter of a century. As a member of the
Constitutional Convention of 1846 he took
a position as among the clearest thinkers,
readiest speakers, and ablest debaters in that
renowned assemblage of the "collected wis-
dom of the State." In 1847 he was elected,
and in 1849 re-elected State Senator from
the Thirteenth District, comprising Saratoga
and Washington counties. For four years
in succession he maintained a distinguished
position in that body, and was recognized as
one of the leaders of his party, judicious ii:
counsel, firm in resistance, fearless in attack.
In 1 85 1 he was declared elected State Treas-
urer. The election was contested bv Ben-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

245

jamin Welcli, Jr., and decided in his favor,
Mr. Cook holding the office from January i,
1852 to November 2 of the same year. He
Vk'as elected State Comptroller in 1853, and
sensed for the years 1854-55. In this office
he displayed financial abilities of a marked
character, and in January, 1856, he was ap-
pointed Superintendent of the Banking De-
partment, which office he continued to hold
until April 16, 1861, when he resigned, hav-
ing filled it with signal credit to himself, and
entire satisfaction to the moneyed corpora-
tions whose interests were concerned and
afifected by jiis administration.

In 1842 the number of village trustees was
increased from three to five, and for the first
time a village president was chosen. Mr.
Cook was elected Trustee, and his associates
in the Board chose him President. He con-
tinued to hold the office of Village President
and Trustee during the years 1843-44-45.
He was also Supervisor of the town of Mil-
ton in 1838, 1844 and 1845, and was Chair-
man of the Board the two latter years.

In 1863, during the stirring days of the
civil war, Mr. Cook was again elected to the
State Senate, from the Fifteenth District, at
this time comprising the counties of Saratoga,
Montgomery, Fulton and Planiilton. This
was the last of his public life, and the last of
his political ambition. He had been promi-
nently mentioned for Governor, but never
allowed his name to go before a nominating
convention. He began his political life as a
Democrat, became a Whig, and was one of
the organizers of the Republican party, with
which he was identified the remainder of his
life.

The War of the Rebellion roused his
patriotism to an absorbing passion. He was
self-assured and confident of final success
during all the checkered fortunes that befel
the Union Arms. To the enlistment and or-
ganization of troops he gave both time and
money. No man was more bitterly opposed
to secession than he ; no man was firmer in
purpose to uphold the national government ;
no man more willing to make liberal sur-
render of time and influence and money to
the sacred cause of his country, and no man
more exultant when final victory perched
upon the banners of the Union Armies.

In private life Mr. Cook was a courtly

gentleman, suave in manner, and a most en-
tertaining conversationalist. A man of cul-
ture, fully informed on all matters of im-
portance pertaining to the times in which he
lived, he stood high in the public esteem, and
was greatly respected wherever he was
known.

He removed to Saratoga Springs in 1866,
where he died April 12, 1868, aged sixty-one
years. The funeral was attended at the Pres-
byterian Church, of which he was a member.
At the close of the church service, charge
was taken by Washington Commandery of
Knights Templar, and by special train the
remains were brought to this village, where,
with the solemn ritual of the Masonic fra-
ternity they were entombed in the family
vault in the village cemetery, and dust re-
turned to dust in the town in which he was
born. A tall granite obelisk marks the rest-
ing place of one of Ballston's illustrious sons.

ISAIAH BLOOD.

Isaiah Blood was born in the town of Balls-
ton, February 13, 1810. His father, Sylvester
Blood, was a farmer and also a scythe maker,
having a shop on the Mourning Kill, about
two miles south of the village. At his father's
forge, Isaiah Blood laid the foundation of his
future wealth and prominence. He was a
man of remarkable energy, and whatever he
did was well done. His scythes and axes
had no superiors in quality, and he had an
established reputation before he set up busi-
ness for himself. He began on a small scale,
and enlarged his works as the business grew,
until in a few years he had in his employ
hundreds of skilled workmen, and his man-
ufactures were in demand throughout the
United States, and in Mexico and South
America. And to-day, in the great lumber
camps of the Northwest, the sturdy woods-
man is not content unless his axe bears the
stamp "I. Blood."

Mr. Blood was a staunch Democrat of the
old school, and his personal popularity often
made him the candidate of his party. He was
the Supervisor of the town of Milton in 1847,
1859 and 1869. In 1851 he was elected Mem-
ber of Assembly from the First Assembly
District. In 1859 he was elected State Sen-

246

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

ator, and was again elected to that position
in 1869. He died before the expiration of
his term, at his home in "Bloodville," on
the 29th of November, 1870, in his sixty-
first year.

He was stricken with typhoid fever, and
when he became aware that his end was ap-
proaching, he requested that every one of his
employees should be allowed to visit him at his
bedside, as he wished to bid them all a final
farewell on earth. Each and all silently ap-
proached the couch of the dying man, who

ISAIAH BLOOD.

had been to them nut only an employer but
a true friend and counsellor, and pressed his
hand as it lay upon the covering of the bed —
the Senator being too weak and feeble to ex-
tend it to those who approached. The scene
was most impressive, and many a stout heart
was moved to tears at this silent but touch-
ing evidence of the warm affection that ex-
isted between the stricken employer and his
bereaved workmen.

The funeral was one of the largest ever
known in Ballston Spa. Business was sus-
pended in the village, and stores and houses
were draped in mourning. A special train
from Albany brought a large number of per-
sonal and political friends, members of the

Legislature and State Officials. The funeral
procession was led by more than two hundred
men employed in the works of the deceased,
followed by one hundred carriages, and a
large concourse of citizens, the burial being
in the family lot in the village cemetery.

As an evidence of their affection and es-
teem the employees of the axe and scythe
works adopted a series of resolutions, among
them the following:

"Resolved, That as an employer, his char-
acter for the management of his business and
the direction of his numerous employees,
although remarkable for energy, was ever
kind and considerate, and that his association
with us at all times was preeminently remark-
able for simplicity and affability."

Isaiah Blood was a man of large public
spirit, and no one ever did more to promote
the business interests and industrial pursuits
of the village, just outside of whose limits
he had made for himself one of the most
charming homes in Saratoga county. He
was a loyal supporter of the Union in the
War of the Rebellion. Governor Edwin D.
Morgan appointed him a member of the War
Committee of Saratoga county, to enlist re-
cruits for the army, and he gave much valu-
able time and with a liberal hand from his
purse to maintain the patriotism of old
Saratoga.

His grandson, William H. Knickerbacker,
now resides in the fine "old homestead man-
sion," in that part of the town which will
alwavs be known as "Bloodville."

GEORGE G. SCOTT.

George Gordon Scott was born at the
family homestead on the "Middle line" road,
in the town of Ballston, on the nth of May,
181 1. His grandfather, George Scott, set-
tled on this farm in 1774, and was one of the
pioneers in the great northern wilderness.
His wife was a sister of General James
Gordon. In the tory and Indian raid led by
Munro in 1780, when General Gordon and
almost every settler -on the "Middle line"
was captured and taken to Canada, the dwell-
ing of Mr. Scott was attacked, and he was
stricken down with a tomahawk and left for
dead.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

247

James Scott, his only son, was born Jan-
uary 31, 1774. He was a noted surveyor, and
always resided in the town of his birth, and
died in 1857. His wife was Mary Botsford,
a native of Derby, Connecticut, who died the
same year.

The subject of this sketch, who came to be
universally known as "Judge Scott," was the
only child of James and Mary Scott. Enter-
ing Union College, lie graduated at the early

GEORGE G. SCOTT.

age of twenty, and immediately began the
study of law in the office of Palmer and Good-
rich, at Ballston Spa. He was admitted to
the Bar in 1834, and for fifty years continued
in the active practice of his profession in this
village.

In 1838 he was appointed by Governor
Marcy a judge of the Court of Common
Pleas, and at the time of his death was the
sole survivor of the old Common Pleas bench
in this county. He was Member of Assembly
in 1856, and was re-elected in 1857, and in
that year was elected to the State Senate from
the 15th District. He declined a re-election,
and was succeeded by Hon. Isaiah Blood.
In i860 he removed from the Milton part of
Ballston Spa to the south side of High street,
in his native town. The following year he
was elected Supervisor of Ballston, and held

the office continuously for twenty-one years,
and after this long period of faithful service,
was compelled to decline a renomination in
most positive terms, in order to obtain a well-
earned release from the cares and duties of
the office.

At the celebration of the Centennial of
American Independence in Ballston Spa,
July 4, 1876, at the rec^uest of the county
officials Judge Scott delivered an historical
address relating to Saratoga county, speak-
ing to the assembled thousands from a plat-
form in the yard of the Sans Souci, and in
1877 he had the distinguished honor of pre-
siding at Bemis Heights, on the occasion of
the Centennial of that decisive battle of the
Rfevolution.

Possessed of a very retentive memory, and
from his youth a close student of history,
he was probably more familiar with local
history than any other man of his time, and
for more than half a century was an ac-
knowledged authority on all matters of his-
toric interest connected with the village and
county.

He married Lucy, a daughter of Joel Lee,
of Ballston Spa. Judge Scott was eminently
successful in the practice of his profession,
which he continued until about two years
before his death, when failing health com-
pelled him to retire from active practice. He
died September 7, 1886, in his seventy-sixth
year.

His son, Hon. James Lee Scott, succeeded
to the law practice of his father, and a few
years since was appointed United States Com-
missioner in Bankruptcy for this District.
He now resides in Saratoga Springs.

JAMES W. HORTON.

Among the many honored names in the
history of Ballston Spa, none is held in
greater esteem or more loving remembrance
than the name of the subject of this brief
memoir. More widely known throughout
Saratoga county than any other man of his
time, his name is written large across the
page of local history, and his memory shall
endure.

James Watson Horton was born in the town
of Ballston, at Academy Hill, September 29,

248

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

1810. He was a son of Ezekiel and Clarissa
(Watson) Horton. His father was a native
of Hebron, Connecticut, and settled in Balls-
ton about 1795. His mother was a daughter
of Captain Titus Watson, of the Revolu-
tionary W'ar, and was born in the town of
Ballston in 1780.

Mr. Horton was educated in the common
schools and at the "Ballston Academy." In
1829, at the age of nineteen he came to reside
in Ballston Spa, and engaged in mercantile

J.\.MES W. HORTO.X.

pursuits. He was first married, in 1836, to
Abba Clark, of Ballston Spa, who died in
1850. His second wife was Julia E. Betts,
of Troy, to whom he was united in marriage
January 14, 1852. The children by the first
marriage were James C, Stephen S., William
B., and Clara V., widow of the late George
C. Beecher. There were two daughters by the
second marriage, Jennie, who died October
10, 1904, and Annie Watson Horton, now
Mrs. Aldrich. Mrs. Beecher and Mrs. Al-
drich reside in Ballston Spa, and are the sole
survivors of the family.

When President Lincoln issued the call for
volunteers in 1861, Stephen S. Horton, en-
listed in the Seventy-seventh New York
Volunteers, and soon rose to the rank of

Captain of Company B, a Ballston conTpanw
He was twice wounded, the last time very
severely, at the battle of Antietam. After
the war he made his home in Georgetown,
Colorado, where he entered upon the practice
of the law, having been admitted to the Bar
just previous to the breaking out of the civil
war. He died several years ago.

William B. Horton, enlisted in the Forty-
fourth New York Volunteers. He was
wounded at the battle of Groveton, Va., Sep-
tember 14, 1861, and died of his wound in the
hospital in Washington, D. C, aged twenty
years.

James C. Horton, the eldest of the family,
removed to Lawrence, Kansas, in 1859, and
during the civil war was one of the defenders
of the town against the rebel guerilla Quan-
trell. Soon after the close of the war, he
removed to Kansas City, where he established
a wholesale drug business, in which he con-
tinued until his death in May of the present
year. He served as County Clerk in Kan-
sas and also as State Senator, and declined a
nomination for Governor.

In 1840, under General Harrison's admin-
istration, James W. Horton was appointed
Postmaster of Ballston Spa. In 1845 he was
elected clerk of Saratoga county, and held
the office continuously for nearly thirty-nine
years. He was serving the last year of his
thirteenth term at the time of his death,
which occurred at his home February 13, 1885.

In politics he was a Whig, and maintained
his alliance with that party until its dissolu-
tion in 1852. He identified himself with the
Republican party on its organization in 1854,
and for the rest of his life was an earnest
supporter of the principles of that party. His
confidence in the ultimate success of the
North in the war of the Rebellion never
wavered. \Mien one of his brave boys
was laid in a soldier's grave in the vil-
lage cemetery, though overcome with grief,
he said : "Will died a noble death, in
a righteous cause, and his death, with the
thousands of other brave boys in blue who
have fallen, will not be in vain." His whole
political life was a fine illustration of the
sentiment that "he who serves his country
best serves his party best. "

Mr. Horton was a member of Christ
Qiurch. f Episcopal.) and for fifty years a

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

249

vestryman, and for twenty-eight years the
Senior Warden of the church. He was a true
friend to the poor, and many were the re-
cipients of his charity. At his funeral, his
pastor, the Rev. Charles Pelletreau, spoke
from these peculiarly appropriate words:
"Mark the perfect man, and behold the up-
right, for the end of that man is peace."
How appropriate the text was is shown by
the last words of Mr. Horton. A short time
before he died, he said to a friend: "I know
you all ; my head is clear, my heart is right."

In announcing the death of Mr. Horton,
the Ballston Journal said : ''The shadow of
a great sorrow fell upon Ballston on Friday
morning, when it was known that James W.
Horton had exchanged his citizenship here
for a citizenship in the 'heavenly places.' His
useful, unselfish, honorable life, is an ex-
ample which all may emulate with advantage
to themselves and to society."

In the County Court, of which he had been
clerk for almost forty years, a memorial
service was held, addresses being made by
several prominent members of the Saratoga
County Bar. One of the speakers, an inti-
mate friend for many years, said : "A
manly man ; an honest man — the noblest work
of God. Ballston's honor ; the country's pride ;
the idol of his family : the admiration of his
friends ; the poor man's generous benefactor :
the church's strong supporter and devoted
member. Forever let his name be honored,
and his memory cherished."

In the village cemetery a plain white stone
marks his grave. In the chancel of Christ
Church, which he served faithfully for so
many years, a beautiful triple window is a
fitting memorial to "Ballston's best loved
citizen."

GEORGE WEST.

A name that will always be associated with
the business development of Ballston Spa,
as the founder of the largest manufacturing
industry, not only in Ballston Spa, but also
in Saratoga county, is that of Hon. George
West. He was born in Bradninch. England,
on the 17th of February, 1823. He received
a good common-school education, and early
in life learned very thoroughly the making of
paper in all its branches. In February, 1849.

when he had reached his twenty-sixth year,
he came with his young wife to this country.
He was employed in New Jersey about one
year, when he secured employment in a large
paper mill in Massachusetts. He soon be-
came manager of the mill, and two or three
years later a partner in the business. In 1861
he removed to Ballston Spa, and took the
position of superintendent of one of the large
paper mills at Rock City Falls.

GEORGE WEST.

Not very long after the civil war began in
1861, Southern cotton became very scarce,
and our cotton factories, and the cotton bag
mills, experienced great difficulty in procur-
ing the staple article demanded in their busi-
ness, and the bag mills of the Cook's were
compelled to close. Some of the paper mills
along the Kayaderosseras also suspended op-
erations. The demand for flour sacks soon
became very great, and in the emergency Mr.
West saw a splendid business opportunity.
Leasing an idle paper mill he announced that

250

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

he would make bags of paper. It was
doubted that he could make a bag strong
enough to carry fifty pounds of flour. But
he soon demonstrated that it could be done.
He began the manufacture of manilla paper,
and employed Martin V. B. White, an in-
genious mechanic, to construct the patterns,
and to make by hand the first lot of flour
sacks. They were manufactured in the old
Union store, in the north-end of the village,
which was vacant at the time. The paper
bags were all that Mr. West claimed for them,
and orders from all parts of the state began
to pour in upon him. He erected a bag mill
adjoining his paper mill at Rock City Falls,
and here, with the slow process of making
the bags by hand, was laid the foundation of
his, enormous business and his princely
fortune.

In 1862 Mr. West purchased the Empire
Mill at Rock City Falls, which he had been
operating under a lease. In 1866 he built the
Excelsior Mill at Rock City Falls, and from
time to time, as his rapidly increasing busi-
ness demanded, he purchased or built several
other mills along the stream.

The death of Jonas Hovey in 1875 brought
his four cotton factories, his fine mansion on
Milton avenue, and a large number of tene-
ment houses into the market, and in August
of that year Mr. West purchased the entire
property. He converted one of the factories
on the island into a paper mill, and the other
into a bag mill, and a few years later, when
the cotton factory on Milton avenue was de-
stroyed by fire, he erected in its place the large
Union Mill, establishing his bag factory in
the woolen mill adjoining on the west. About
1880 he purchased the paper mill at Hadley,
on the Hudson river, and at once began the
erection of a very large mill. It was rapidly
pushed to completion, and when the machin-
erv started, Mr. West owned and operated
nine paper mills, a pulp mill, and two bag
mills, manufacturing nothing but manilla
paper and paper bags. He was the largest
manufacturer in this line in the world.

After Mr. West had been making bags
for several months by the slow hand pro-
cess, one day a man of rather ordinary
appearance called at his office in Rock City
Falls and said to him that a machine could
be constructed to do the work with much
greater rapidity. Mr. West at once entered

into a contract with his visitor to build a
machine in his mill, and within a few weeks
the machine was in successful operation. The
mechanical principles of this first bag-machine
were identical with those of the wonderful
machines of the present day. Mr. West was
the pioneer in the manufacture of paper bags,
one of the largest industries in the world to-
day.

In politics George West was an ardent Re-
publican, and in the fall of 1871 he was
elected Member of Assembly from the First
District, and was re-elected in 1872-73-74-75.
In 1 881 he was' elected Representative in
Congress and served two terms. He was
again elected in 1887. Having given largely
of his time for eleven years to the public ser-
vice, he declined a re-nomination to Congress,
but his zeal for party success never flagged,
and he was always to be found in the front
rank fighting valiantly for the principles of
the Republican party.

Mr. West was a member of the Methodist
Church, and his liberality enabled that society
in 1892 to erect the present fine church edi-
fice. One-half of the cost was Mr. West's
contribution, besides the gift of the organ, and
other fixtures. He was also a princely giver
to the Round Lake Association, the fine mu-
seum building at this beautiful resort, cost-
ing $20,000, being his gift, and also a sub-
scription of $25,000 to the endowment fund
at that institution. He was always ready to
give of his time and his money to promote
the interests of the village, or of any worthy
cause.

Mr. West associated with himself in the
business his son, George West, Jr., and his
son-in-law, Douglas W. Mabee. In the year
1899 the immense business was sold to the
Union Bag and Paper Company, and Mr.
West retired from active business. He died
at his home on Milton avenue, September
20, 1901, in his seventy-ninth year.

DR. LEVERETT MOORE.

Leverett Moore was born at Palmer, Mass.,
December 9, 1805, and was in every respect
a self-made man. Left an orphan at the age
of seven years, he worked his way unaided
to the exceptionally high position he reached
in his profession and in society. He worked

CENTENNIAL HISTORY Of BALLSTON SPA

251

his way through a classical school at Gran-
ville, Mass., and the medical college at Pitts-
field, from which he graduated in 1829. He
settled in Ballston Spa in 1840, succeeding
to the large practice of Dr. Samuel Freeman,
who retired from practice and removed to
Saratoga Springs. Besides his practice as a
physician, and attention to his duties as a
member of the Saratoga County Medical As-
sociation and of the Union Medical Associa-
tion of Washington, Warren and Saratoga
counties, Dr. Moore became interested in

• DR. LEVERETT MOORE.

manufacturing, and was for several years a
member of the firm of Wakcman, Wait & Co.,
oil-cloth manufacturers. He was a director
for many years of the Ballston Spa Bank,
and was also a village trustee. Although he
retired from active practice at the age of
seventy-one years, yet his patrons almost
compelled him to care for them in times of
sickness for many years. He lived to the
ripe old age of nearly eighty-seven years to
enjoy the large competency he had acquired.
His death occurred July 13. 1892.

HENRY L. GROSE.

Henry Lawrence Grose was born in Islm-
den, Montgomery county, N. Y., September
26, 1816. His early education he received
from his father, who was a graduate of
Columbia College. New York, and in every

way qualified to impart instruction in the
usual academic course, paying particular at-
tention to Latin and Greek.

He fitted himself for the medical profession
in the ofiice of Drs. Webster and Snyder, of
Fort Plain, two of the most eminent physi-
cians of Montgomery county, as was the cus-
tom for students in those days.

He began the practice of medicine at
Owego, Tioga county, N. Y., in 1836, and
through many changes and other professional
duties, he always continued his medical prac-
tice together with other callings.

While at Owego he was induced to study
for the ministry, and he took a theological
course at Oneida Institute, Utica, N. Y.,
where he graduated in 1840, and was after-
wards made an honorary member of the
Alumni Association of Madison University
at Hamilton, Madison county, N. Y.

For twenty years his whole time was de-
voted to the gospel ministry of the Baptist
denomination. His pastorates during this
period were at Dapby and Ithaca, Tompkins
county; Coxsackie and Athens, Greene coun-
ty; North East, Dutchess county; Galway,
Saratoga county, and Mannsville, Jefferson
county.

April I, i860, he purchased the Ballston
JournaT, and assumed the editorial chair,
which he occupied until his death, nearly forty
vears later. Mr. Grose did not withdraw
from the ministry, but for twenty years
longer, until 1880, much of his time was given
to the profession which always maintained a
strong hold upon his affections. Besides his
editorial duties he found time to serve as
pastor the churches at Milton and Middle
Grove, and was for five years pastor of the
Baptist Church at Hydeville, Vt., removing
with his family to that place, and returning
to Ballston Spa at the close of his pastorate.
He also supplied the pulpit at Burnt Hills
for several months on two occasions when
the church was without a pastor, and also
for nearly a year the Baptist Church at
Saugerties, N. Y. He was appointed School
Commissioner in 1874, and was elected to the
office in 1875.

Soon after taking charge of the Journal
Mr. Grose began studying for the legal pro-
fession, but did not apply for admission to
the bar until January, 1880, when he received

252

CENTEXNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

a diploma authorizing him to practice in the
highest courts of the state.

Mr. Grose was a tireless student throughout
his long life. He was thorough in everything
he undertook, and often said, "Nothing is
worth doing that is not done well." His
standard of excellence was high, and it is a
delight to-day to read anything he ever wrote.
The matter is so well chosen, the diction so

RL', . 11. L. (jKOSE.

clear and concise that they have a solid sub-
stantiality that will endure. Air. Grose's
many sidcdness cannot better be described
than in the following lines of Cooper's, nor
is the picture, as applieil to him, at all over-
drawn :

"I have seen a veteran warrior in the Christian field,
Who never saw the sword he could not wield ;
Grave without dullness, learned without pride.
Exact, yet not precise, though meek, keen eyed ;
A man that would have foiled at their own play,
A dozen would-be's of the modern day;
Who, when occasion justified its use,
Had art as bright, as ready to produce ;
Could fetch the records of an earlier age.
Or from philosophy's enlightened page
His rich materials, and regale your ear
With strains it was a privilege to hear:
Yet, above all, his lu.xury supreme,
And his chief glory was the gospel theme :
There he was copious as old Greece or Rome,

His happy eloquence seemed there at home —

Ambitious not to shine, or to e.xcel.

But, to treat justly what he loved so well."

His remarkably active life continued un-
til within ten days of his death. With the
same calm and trustful spirit in which he
lived he at last met the Great Conqueror.
Unflinchingly he yielded up his spirit, and
sweetly, without a murmur, he sank to rest
the evening of September 7, 1898.

"Death but leads him on,
His test work done, his guerdon won.
To greater action and a nobler sphere."

James Comstock, the pioneer editor of
Ballston Spa, was born in Adams, Mass. He
came to Rallston in 1803, and in 181 1 pur-
chased The Independent American, then
published at Court House Hill, and removed
the establishment to Ballston Spa. He was
a Whig in politics, and as editor of a village
paper for thirty-five years, advocated the
policies and principles of that party. He was
a man of strong individuality, a vigorous
writer, and one of the leading men of the com-
munity. He was appointed postmaster in
1849. He died July 26, 1851. aged about
seventy years.

Arnold H.\rris was burn in the town of
Ballston February 22. 1808, He came to
Ballston Spa in 1827; was a clerk seven
years ; in 1834 entered the hardware business
with James H. Spier, the firm being Spier &
Harris; in 1839 his brother bought out Mr.
Spier, and the firm name was A. & W. Har-
ris until 1842, when he purchased the inter-
est of his brother and conducted the business
alone until T8S2, when his head clerk, Fred
.\rmer, was taken into partnership, the firm
name being F. Armer, and so continued until
1889, when Mr. Armer became his successor.

Mr. Harris was a man of mark ; an active
politician of the Whig party, and as such was
three times elected county treasurer, serving
in that capacity nine years, 1844-3-6, and
1850-55, He was an adherent of the Re-
publican party from its organization, a man
of positive convictions and keen political fore-
sight. He was for forty years a director, and
thirty-five years vice-president of the Balls-
ton Spa National Bank. He died January
15, 1891, respected and honored by all who
knew him.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

253

Jonathan S. Beach was born in Charlton
in 1797, and while a boy came to Ballston
Spa to reside. At the time of his death he
was one of the oldest citizens, and in his
earlier years did much to build up the man-
ufacturing and other interests of the village.
He was also engaged on many of the public
works of the State. For several years he was
associated in business enterprises with Harvey
Chapman, during which time they constructed
the first railroads in the State from Albany
to Schenectady, and from Schenectady to Sar-
atoga. He became a member of the Presby-
terian Church in early life, and was a con-
stituent member of the First Presbyterian
Church in Ballston Spa. He died October
31, 1877, aged eighty years.

Wheeler K. Booth was born in the town
of Galway May 23, 1806. He was a promi-
nent resident of this village for more than
fifty years, and was one of our most successful
merchants. He was a member of Christ
Church from his early manhood; for forty
years a member of the vestry, and for twenty
years, its junior warden. Andrew S. Booth,
president of the Ballston Spa National Bank,
is a son of Wheeler K. Booth. He died June
2, 1877, aged seventy-one years.

In an obituary notice were the following
words: "It will be long before the kindly
face and manner, the simple and honest char-
acter, the good and true man that has passed
away, will be forgotten."

James Otis Leach was born in Taunton,
Mass., in January, 1811. He came to Balls-
ton Spa in 1842, and for some years acted as
superintendent in the cotton mills of James
M. and Samuel H. Cook. During the war of
the rebellion he was United States Internal
Revenue Assessor for this district. He was
a trustee and president of the village in 1857.
In June, 1869, he was appointed postmaster
in place of M. L. Williams, resigned, and
held that office at the time of his death, Jan-
uary 13, 1881. Mr. Leach was a member of
the Presbyterian Church; also a director of
the First National Bank.

John Brotherson was born in Charlton,
in June, 1806. At the time of his death,
October 14, 1887, he was the senior member
of the Saratoga County Bar. Mr. Brother-
son was a man who possessed remarkable
force of character, and great physical energy.
He was indefatigable in the interests of his
clients, and while in active practice was
deemed to be a very formidable opponent.
He was the leader in the Spiritualist society
in Ballston Spa.

RoiiERT P. McMaster was born in Balls-
ton Spa April 3, 1808. In early manhood he
spent two years in business in Mexico and
then located in New Orleans, where for
forty years he was a prominent banker and
broker. He purchased the residence of Dr.
Samuel Freeman, on High street, removed
the house, and built a spacious mansion, in
recent years the residence of Andrew W.
Smith. Nearly one-half of each year Mr.
McMaster spent in his native village. He
died May 12, 1873, in his sixty-sixth year.

John McLean was born in Scotland. He
came to America in early life, and resided in
Fultonville, N. Y. In i860, in company with
Mr. Donaldson of that village, he purchased
a paper mill at Factory Village, the firm be-
ing Donaldson & McLean. Subsequently he
became the sole proprietor. Mr. McLean was
a man of mark, high-toned, gentlemanly, and
in politics conspicuously Republican. He was
zealously patriotic in supporting the Union
cause in the civil war. He was Supervisor
of the town of Milton, and was frequently
urged to accept a legislative nomination, but
he was not inclined to public life. His re-
ligion was that of the Scotch Presbyterians,
and he was identified with the interests of the
Presbyterian Church in this village, though
not a communicant. He built and presented
to the church the chapel in Factory Village.
He died August 4, 1881, aged sixty-one
vears.

Albert P. Blood was born in the town of
Ballston April it, 1822. He was a son of
Sylvester Blood. A life-long resident of the
village, and one of its prosperous merchants,
he had a wide circle of friends. A member
of the Baptist Church from early childhood,
he was for many years a deacon of the church.
He was a member of Franklin Lodge, War-
ren Chapter and Washington Commandery,
Knights Templar. He was also, for two years,
a village trustee and president of the village.

•254

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

John Wait was for forty years a promi-
nent manufacturer of the village, Wait's oil-
cloths gaining a reputation second to none in
the country. He was actively interested in
the development and growth of the village,
was a village trustee, and was Supervisor of
Milton in 1870. He was born in Saratoga
Springs, and died at his home on Front street
in this village, September 12, 1875, aged
sixty-three years.

William T. Odell was born in the town
of Ballston in 1814. He commenced the
study of the law in the office of George G.
Scott in 1837, and was admitted to the Bar
in 1839. For many years he was a leading
member of the Bar of this village and county,
and served two terms as District Attorney,
185 1 to 1857. Colonel Odell was a Demo-
crat, and strong in his political beliefs. He
was Supervisor of Milton in 1858 and i860.
He obtained his title of "Colonel" from many
years service in the State militia. He died
March 8, 1875, aged sixty-one years.

HiRO Jones was born in Strafford, Vt.,
March 31, 1816. In 1851 he came to Ballston
Spa, and at once began the manufacture of
shirts and drawers in the Glen woolen mill.
Subsequently he bought the brick factory on
Prospect street, now the paper bag factory,
and continued the business until 1868, when
he sold the mill to Jonas A. Hovey. Mr.
Jones was among the leading men of the
Republican party, and was Supervisor of
Milton in the years 1866-67-68-71, and was
also a village trustee, and president of the
village. On the organization of the First Na-
tional Bank in 1865, he was chosen Presi-
dent, and from 1868 until his decease, he
gave his whole time to his duties in connec-
tion with the Bank. He was a consistent
member of the Presbyterian Church, and as
a citizen was one of the worthiest and most
highly respected in the community. He died
July 23, 1879, in his sixty-fourth year.

John B. McLean was a life-long resident
of the village and for twenty-five years prior
to his death was deputy county clerk, under
James W. Horton. His painstaking habits,
and strong memory made him very efficient
in this position. He was an enthusiastic Re-
publican, and a leader in the party, and no

man rendered more effective service to secure
the large Republican majorities for which
Saratoga county has been noted. He was a
member of Franklin Lodge, F. & A. M., War-
ren Chapter, and Washington Commandery
of Knights Templar. He died at his home
in this village on December 24, 1879, aged
sixty years.

John J. Luther was born in Ballston Spa
December 31, 1819, and his whole life was
passed in his native village. For more than
thirty years he was a prominent and sucess-
ful business man of the village. He was a
member of the Masonic fraternity, receiving
the degrees of the order in Franklin Lodge,
Warren Chapter and Washington Command-
dery. He died October 12, 1891, aged seven-
ty-two years.

Orville D. Vaughn was born in Queens-
bury, Washington county, April 6, 1820. He
located in Ballston Spa in 1847, and for
twenty years was engaged in the marble head-
stone business. He was elected county treas-
urer in 1855, and served two terms. Later
he was engaged in the lumber business in
Washington, D. C, and in Minnesota. His
place was in the front rank of our honorable
and successful business men. His last years
were spent in this village, where he died De-
cember 12, 1906, aged eighty-six years.

Russell P. Clapp was born in Ballston
Spa July 31, 1820, and through all his life
he retained his home in this village. His
first business was that of a merchant. In
1858 he became Secretary of the Troy and
New York Steamboat Company, having his
office in Troy. In 1870 he became the Sec-
retary of "The People's Line," with his office
in New York. This position he held until
his death, December 3, 1877. Mr. Clapp was
a prominent member of the Baptist Church,
a deacon for twenty-six years, and for many
years superintendent of the Sunday School.
A friend paid him this beautiful tribute : "His
religion made his face and his heart sunny.
Wherever he came he brought with him joy,
peace and love." He was eminently social
and courteous. Ever thoughtful for others,
he found his pleasure in contributing to their
happiness. His death was a public bereave-
ment.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

255

David Maxwell was born in Charlton
February 28, 1820. He came to Ballston Spa
when twenty-one years of age, studied law,
and was admitted to the Bar. He was a
justice of sessions three years, and clerk of
the board of supervisors several years. He
was also a justice of the peace for many
years. He enjoyed the friendship and esteem
of a large circle of acquaintances. Late in
life he removed to Saratoga Springs, where
he died August 25, 1891, in the seventy-
second year of his age.

John R. Wilson, one of the most widely
known citizens of Ballston Spa, was born in
the town of Ballston. In early life he was a
farmer. January i, 1856, he was appointed
railroad station agent in this village, and con-
tinued in that position until his decease on
March 6, 1882, in his sixty-first year. He
was for many years a member of the Baptist
Church.

Lawrence W. Bristol was born in the
town of Austerlitz, Columbia county, March
18, 1824. He came to Ballston Spa in 1847,
and this village was his home from that time
until his death, half a century later, on March
II, 1897. He was a leading merchant, one
of the incorporators and for many years a
director of the First National Bank, a village
trustee, and for several years a member of
the Board of Education. He was an honored
citizen, respected by all who knew him.

LiNDLEY Murray Crane was born in Dal-
ton, Mass., March 17, 1822. He came to
Ballston at the age of twenty-three, and pur-
chased the first paper mill built on the
Kayaderosseras, now known as the Eagle
Mill. He built a large mansion opposite the
mill, where he resided for many years. The
locality has ever since been known as Crane-
ville. Gifted with an inventive genius, he
was the first to adapt paper to various new
and valuable uses, such as collars and cufifs,
belting, pails and household utensils. When
in 1862, the government felt the necessity of
a paper for currency uses that would resist
the efforts of counterfeiters, Mr. Crane solved
the problem by the invention of the fiber
process, which proved to be a success never
before attained. He made samples, sent them
to the treasury department at Washington,

and exhibited them to many interested parties,
before taking out a caveat, and very soon to
his surprise, large quantities of this kind of
paper were ofliered and sold to the govern-
ment. He reaped no benefit from his in-
vention. The last years of his life he was a
resident of Ballston Spa, where, by his genial
nature, he attached to himself a large circle
of friends. He died October 20, 1879, aged
fifty-seven years.

Calvin F. Wiley was born in Chatham,
Columbia county. May 7, 1825, and came to
Ballston Spa in i860, and was employed as
clerk in the dry goods store of C. M. Noxon.
In 1869 he succeeded to the business of Mr.
Noxon, which he conducted successfully un-
til his decease on June 29, 1886. Mr. Wiley
was a member of the Baptist Church, and for
several years was a deacon of the church.
Through his uniform courtesy, integrity and
fair dealing he enjoyed an enviable reputa-
tion in the community. He died June 29,
1886, aged sixty-one years.

Henry A. Mann, son of James Mann, was
born in the town of Ballston January 28,
1829. For several years he was engaged in
mercantile trade in this village. He was
elected county treasurer, and assumed the
duties of the office January i, 1861, and con-
tinued to hold the office until 1876. He was
one of the first board of directors of the
First National Bank, and its vice-president
for many years. He served the village as
trustee six years, and was village president
in 1870-1-2-3-5. He died April 24, 1892,
aged seventy years.

Samuel Haight was bom in Troy, N. Y.,
October 22, 1832. In 1878 he engaged in
the tannery business in Milton Centre. In
December, 1881, a fire destroyed the entire
plant. He purchased the Wait oil-cloth fac-
tory in this \'illage, and removed his business
to Ballston Spa. He died quite suddenly at
his home in this village October 4, 1891, aged
fifty-nine years. The employer of a very large
number of men, he won and retained their
esteem by kindness and fair dealing. A
friend paid him this beautiful tribute : "Mr.
Haight did right because he loved right.
If ever a man carried into practical illustra-
tion the spirit of the golden rule, it was he."

256

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

George W. Chapman was born in Balls-
ton Spa in 1833, and was the younger son of
Harvey Chapman. He was a graduate of
Union College and of the Albany Law
School. In 1858 he began the practice of law
in this village. In 1864 he was elected Mem-
ber of Assembly; in 1869 was appointed canal
commissioner, and was elected to that office
the following year. He was also a Super-
visor of the town of Milton. He died in this
village, which had always been his home,
on April 20, 1881, aged forty-four years.

Edwin H. Chapman, elder brother of
George W. Chapman, was born in Ballston
Spa in 1828, and for many years was en-
gaged in business here as a manufacturer.
He was village trustee three terms, and
village president in 1856, and also Super-
visor of Milton in 1864-5. He was a mem-
ber of the Masonic fraternity. He was a
popular man in the community, with a wide
circle of friends and acquaintances. He died
December 14, 1896, at the home of one of his
sons in the West, aged sixty-eight years.

Seth Whalen was bom at West Milton
in 1835. In 1861 he became a student in the
law office of William T. Odell in this village,
and was admitted to the Bar in 1864. He
was School Commissioner in the years 1871
and 1873, and President of the village Board
of Education for several years. On the
death of James W. Horton in February, 1885,
he was appointed county clerk by Governor
Hill, and in November following was elected
to that office. He died November 26, 1886,
before the close of the first year of his elec-
tive term. Mr. Whalen was a member of
Christ Church, and one of its vestrymen. He
was also a member of Franklin Lodge. F. &
A. M., Warren Chapter, and Washington
Commandery. As a citizen he was pure,
above reproach, honored by all; without an
enemv and with hosts of friends.

Neil Gilmour was born in Scotland, in
January, 1840, and came to America when
sixteen years of age. He graduated from
Union College, and for a few years was a
teacher in the Academy of his brother. Rev.
James Gilmour, on Pleasant street. He
studied for the profession of the law. and
was admitted to the Bar. He was elected

School Commissioner for the first district in
1866, and again in 1872. In 1874 he was
elected by the Legislature Superintendent of
Public Instruction, which position he filled
for three terms — nine years. President Ar-
thur then appointed him receiver of public
moneys for South Dakota, and for two years
Mr. Gilmour made the city of Pierre his home.
On returning to this village, he became the
general manager for the State of New York
of the Aetna Life Insurance Company, with
his office in Albany. In official life Mr. Gil-
mour was an efficient public servant ; among
his friends and acquaintances he was known
as a genial, whole-souled gentleman. He died
March 31, 1901, in his sixty-second year.

Enos Rogers Mann was born at Willow
Glen, in the town of Stillwater, June 8, 1840.
He was educated in the district schools, and
at the Ballston Spa Institute, of which Rev.
Deodatus Babcock was principal. He taught
for a few years in district schools, and in
1864 was admitted to the Bar. A year later,
in company with Sanford H. Curtis, he es-
tablished the Ballston Democrat in this vil-
lage, and throughout the remaining years
of his life was engaged in newspaper v^'ork,
filling positions on the Albany Argus, Troy
Press, New York Tribune, Saratoga Sen-
tinel, Saratoga Press and The Saratogian.
Mr. Mann was the possessor of a retentive
memory and a graceful and entertaining
writer. Twenty years ago he compiled and
published "The Bench and Bar of Saratoga
County," a valuable contribution to the legal
history of the county. He was a member of
the Episcopal Church from his sixteenth
year. He died at his home in this village
March 29, 1905, aged sixty-five years.

Matthew Vassar was born in Pough-
keepsie, INIarch 24, 1844. He came to Balls-
ton Spa in 1870, and was engaged in the tan-
nery business at Milton Centre with his
brother-in-law, Samuel Haight. The busi-
ness was removed to this village, and after
the death of Mr. Haight, was carried on by
Mr. Vassar and Mr. Haight's sons, Theodore
and H. \'^assar Haight. When the American
Hide & Leather Company purchased the plant,
Mr. Vassar retired from business. He was
a vestryman of Christ Church, and for thirty-
seven years was identified with the village

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

257

and its welfare. He died March 13, 1907,
aged sixty-three years.

George C. Beecher was born in Ballston
Spa September 29, 1844. At an early age
he began his business career in New Orleans,
and subsequently was engaged in the drug
business in Troy. In 1865, at the organiza-
tion of the First National Bank in this vil-
lage, he accepted the position of teller. Dur-
ing his connection with the Bank, and for
some years thereafter, he conducted a large
insurance business. Resigning his position
as teller, he became the superintendent and
book-keeper in the paper mill of his step-
father, John McLean. He was a vestryman
of Christ Church, and for several years vil-
lage treasurer. He stood high in Masonic
circles, being a member of the local lodges,
and having attained to the 32d degree in Ma-
sonry. Commanding the esteem and confi-
dence of his elders, and of the whole com-
munity, he died June 16, 1880, at the early
age of thirty-five years. His father, Callen-
der Beecher, died in 1849 at about the same
age, just at the opening of what promised to
be a successful career in the profession of
the law.

Frank Joxes was born in Ballston Spa
October 19, 1851, the son of the late Hiro
Jones. He was a graduate of Williams Col-
lege. Soon after completing his education
he engaged in the manufacture of paper at
the old Cook mill in Factory Village. He
continued this business ten years, and then
became one of the proprietors of the Geyser
Spring. He was secretary of the Mt. Mc-
Gregor railroad, and also superintendent.
In 1889 he was appointed postmaster. He
was sheriff of the county in 1895-6-7. He
was again appointed postmaster March 22;
1898: was reappointed in 1902 and was hold-
ing the office at the time of his death, Octo-
ber 20, 1904. Mr. Jones was a member of
the Presbyterian Church, and one of its elders
for several years. He was a Past Master of
Franklin Lodge ; a member of Warren Chap-,
ter, Washington Commandery, and Oriental
Temple, Mystic Shrine. A life-long friend,
said of him : "In his death we lose a gen-
erous, warm-hearted and kindly neighbor,
and the people in general an agreeable and
efficient official and business associate."

John Person was born in Batchellerville
July 16, 1862. He graduated from Williams
College in 1886, and immediately began the
study of the law in the office of Judge L'Am-
oreaux in this village. He was admitted to
the Bar in May, 1888, and at once entered
upon the successful practice of his profes-
sion. He was elected District Attorney in
November, 1892, and entering upon his duties
January i, 1893, his first criminal trial was
in a case of murder, which he managed with
such skill that he was highly commended by
the presiding justice, the late Hon. Leslie
W. Russell. His successful administration
of the office led to his renomination July 23,
1895. He died September 15, following, at
the early age of thirty-five, and at the be-
ginning of what promised to be a brilliant
career in his chosen profession. He was a
member of the Presbyterian Church at Batch-
ellerville.

George E. Knox was by profession a
dentist, and practiced for some years when
he first came to Ballston Spa. He then en-
gaged in mercantile trade, and later became
a large manufacturer of ladies' hoop skirts
and corsets. He was a member of the Bap-
tist Church, and also of the Masonic fra-
ternity. He died January 8, 1905. in his
seventy-seventh year, having lived in the vil-
lage, honored and esteemed, for half a
centurv.

James H. Spier w^as a leading citizen and
business man during the first half century
of village life. He was associated with Ar-
nold Harris for several years in the hard-
ware business. He was appointed postmaster
in 1851, on the death of James Comstock.
He died in 1867, aged seventy years.

John McKown was a prominent business
man of the village. He came to Ballston
Spa in 1838 and began the cabinet-making
business, and also undertaking, on Milton
avenue, and continued in business at the same
stand for forty years. He was highly re-
spected in the commvmity. He was a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church, and also
a member of Franklin Lodge, Warren Chap-
ter, and Washington Commandery. He died
in 1880, aged seventy years.

258

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BALLSTON SPA

Stephen B. Medbery was born in the town
of Greenfield, Saratoga county, August 4,
1815, and died at his home in Ballston Spa
October 19, 1907, aged ninety-two years. In
early life he made his home in this village,
and at the time of his decease was its oldest
resident. He became the proprietor of the
Village Hotel (now Medbery Hotel) in 1849,
and continued as its landlord for more than
thirty years. He served the village as trus-
tee in 1850. In his youth he became a mem-
ber of the Episcopal Church, and was war-
den and vestryman of Christ Church for
more than sixty years, and was a senior war-
den at the time of his death, having faith-
fully served the church in this capacity for

over half a century. Air. Medbery had a
very wide circle of friends and acquaintances
by whom he was highly esteemed.

J.-\MES F. Peckham was bom in Ballston
Spa, April 28, 1828. He was a son of Stephen
Peckham, and a grand-son of Jonathan Peck-
ham, who was the first settler within the
present limits of this village. For more
than half a century James F. Peckham was
one of the prominent business men of the vil-
lage, and served as village trustee for several
years. Throughout his long life of eighty
years, he lived within sight of his birth-
place, and was highly esteemed throughout
the community. He died November 15, 1907.

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Full text of "Centennial history of the village of Ballston Spa : including the towns of Ballston and Milton"

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